Zoning Ordinance: Arlington County, Virginia

f
2019
Zoning Ordinance
Arlington County, Virginia
Effective July 16, 2019

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referenced section. All links are prefaced with the § symbol, as shown below.
In addition to the requirement for shrubs of §5.8.5.B.1, above, major deciduous trees shall
90F
be planted at the minimum rate of one for every 35 feet along any property line abutting
public right-of-way.
4. All use tables include hyperlinks to each zoning district listed in the table.
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
Specific Use Types R-5 Standards
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HOW TO USE THIS ORDINANCE
IF YOU OWN PROPERTY AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT RULES APPLY:
STEP 1: Find your zoning district and any overlay districts by looking at the Zoning Map or by calling
the Zoning Office.
STEP 2: Go to Article 4 for Public Districts; Article 5 for Residential Districts; Article 6 for Residential
Apartment Districts; Article 7 for Commercial/Mixed Use Districts; or Article 8 for Industrial Districts,
to review the intent of the district applied to your property. Purpose statements are found in the
first subsection within each respective district.
STEP 3: Go to §4.1 for Public Districts; §5.1 for Residential Districts; §6.1 for Residential Apartment
Districts; §7.1 for Commercial/Mixed Use Districts; or §8.1 for Industrial Districts use tables, for
details on uses permitted on your property. Find the row that lists the specific use you’ve identified.
Match this row to your district (across the top of the table) to determine if the use you want to
establish is allowed. If the use you’ve identified is not listed, go to §12.2.1, Similar use
interpretation.
STEP 4: If your use is permitted, before building the structure or establishing the use, you must get
the appropriate permits approved (see Article 15). For details on maximum density, minimum lot
size, setbacks, lot coverage, and similar standards see “density and dimensional standards’’ in each
of the respective districts for details on uses permitted on your property
For specific use standards see Article 12. .
For additional use standards and requirements, see site development standards Article 13 and 0,
and all regulations for the subject zoning district.
STEP 5: Don’t forget the special planning area regulations in Article 9 and the overlay and special
purpose districts established in Article 11, may apply to your property. These requirements are
intended to help you and the County ensure that your project is legally established and that it
matches the development vision that Arlington County, as a community, desires.
IF YOU WANT TO BUILD OR ESTABLISH A PARTICULAR USE:
Follow Steps 1 through 5 above, to identify your zoning district and the permitted uses. You can find
the specific details, use standards, for the permitted uses in your zoning district in Article 12; and in
the respective zoning district regulations. You can also find the various site development standards
that apply to your property in Article 13 and 0.
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CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS .........................................................................................1-1
§1.1. Title ......................................................................................................................................... 1-1
§1.2. Minimum Requirements ........................................................................................................ 1-1
§1.3. Use of buildings and Land ...................................................................................................... 1-1
§1.4. Conflicting Provisions ............................................................................................................. 1-1
§1.5. Street Frontage Required ....................................................................................................... 1-1
§1.6. Headings and Illustrations ...................................................................................................... 1-2
§1.7. Zoning Districts Established.................................................................................................... 1-2
ARTICLE 2. DISTRICT MAP ................................................................................................................2-1
§2.1. Incorporated as Part of this Zoning Ordinance ...................................................................... 2-1
§2.2. Map Interpretation................................................................................................................. 2-1
§2.3. Future Boundaries to Street Centerline ................................................................................. 2-1
ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS ......................................................................3-1
§3.1. Measurements, Computations and Exceptions ..................................................................... 3-1
§3.2. Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements ....................................................................... 3-7
ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS......................................................................................................4-1
§4.1. Public (P) Districts Use Tables ................................................................................................ 4-1
§4.2. S-3A, Special District ............................................................................................................... 4-5
§4.3. S-D, Special Development District .......................................................................................... 4-7
§4.4. P-S, Public Service District .................................................................................................... 4-10
ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS .............................................................................................5-1
§5.1. Residential (R) Districts Use Tables ........................................................................................ 5-1
§5.2. R-20, One-Family Dwelling District ......................................................................................... 5-6
§5.4. R-10T, One-Family and, Townhouse Dwelling District ........................................................... 5-8
§5.7. R-5, One-Family and Restricted Two-Family Dwelling District ............................................. 5-14
§5.8. R15-30T, Townhouse Dwelling District ................................................................................ 5-16
§5.9. R2-7, Two-Family and Townhouse Dwelling District ............................................................ 5-20
ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS ..................................................................................6-1
§6.1. Multiple-family (RA) Districts Use Tables ............................................................................... 6-1
§6.2. RA14-26, Multiple-family Dwelling District ............................................................................ 6-6
§6.3. RA8-18, Multiple-family Dwelling District .............................................................................. 6-9
ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS........................................................................7-1
§7.1. Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts Use Tables .................................................................... 7-1
Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Arlington County, Virginia i
§1.1 TITLE ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
§1.4.1 INTERPRETATION
§7.2. RA4.8, Multiple-Family Dwelling District................................................................................ 7-8

§7.3. R-C, Multiple-family Dwelling and Commercial District ....................................................... 7-11
§7.4. RA-H, Hotel District .............................................................................................................. 7-14
§7.5. RA-H-3.2, Multiple-Family Dwelling and Hotel District ........................................................ 7-16
§7.6. C-1-R, Restricted Local Commercial District ......................................................................... 7-19
§7.7. C-1, Local Commercial District.............................................................................................. 7-21
§7.8. MU-VS, Mixed Use Virginia Square District .......................................................................... 7-23
§7.9. C-1-O, Limited Commercial Office Building District ............................................................. 7-30
§7.10. C-O-1.0, Mixed Use District .................................................................................................. 7-32
§7.13. C-O, Mixed Use District ........................................................................................................ 7-38
§7.14. C-O-A, Mixed Use District ..................................................................................................... 7-42
§7.15. C-O Rosslyn, Mixed Use Rosslyn District .............................................................................. 7-45
§7.16. C-O Crystal City, Mixed Use Crystal City District .................................................................. 7-49
§7.17. C-2, Service Commercial-Community Business District ....................................................... 7-60
§7.18. C-TH, Commercial Townhouse District................................................................................. 7-62
§7.19. C-3, General Commercial District ......................................................................................... 7-65
§7.20. C-R, Commercial Redevelopment District ............................................................................ 7-67
ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS .............................................................................................8-1
§8.1. Industrial (M) Districts Use Tables ......................................................................................... 8-1
§8.2. CM, Limited Industrial District ................................................................................................ 8-7
§8.3. M-1, Light Industrial District ................................................................................................... 8-8
§8.4. M-2, Service Industrial District ............................................................................................... 8-9
ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS.........................................................................9-1
§9.1. Special Revitalization Districts ................................................................................................ 9-1
§9.2. Clarendon Revitalization District ............................................................................................ 9-2
§9.3. Fort Myer Heights North Special District ............................................................................. 9-19
§9.4. Radnor Heights East Special District..................................................................................... 9-21
§9.5. Western Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment District ....................................................... 9-21
ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS ........................................................................................... 10-1
§10.1. Unified Residential Developments ....................................................................................... 10-1
§10.2. Unified Commercial/Mixed Use Development .................................................................... 10-3
§10.3. Residential Cluster Development ....................................................................................... 10-12
ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS ............................................................. 11-1
§11.1. CP-FBC, Columbia Pike Form Based Code District ................................................................ 11-1
§11.2. CPN-FBC, Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code District ................................... 11-6
§11.3. Historic Preservation Overlay District .................................................................................. 11-7
ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS ........................................................................................................ 12-1
§12.1. Applicability .......................................................................................................................... 12-1
§12.2. Use Categories ...................................................................................................................... 12-1
§12.3. Residential Use Standards .................................................................................................. 12-19
§12.4. Public and Civic Use Standards ........................................................................................... 12-23
Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

ii Arlington County, Virginia
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS §1.1 TITLE
§12.5. Commercial/Mixed Use Standards ..................................................................................... 12-25

§12.6. Industrial Use Standards .................................................................................................... 12-35
§12.7. Other Use Standards .......................................................................................................... 12-37
§12.8. Transitional Use Standards ................................................................................................. 12-37
§12.9. Accessory Use Standards .................................................................................................... 12-38
§12.10. Short Term Use Standards.................................................................................................. 12-51
ARTICLE 13. SIGNS......................................................................................................................... 13-1
§13.1. Purpose................................................................................................................................. 13-1
§13.2. Applicability .......................................................................................................................... 13-2
§13.3. Modifications........................................................................................................................ 13-4
§13.4. Signs Regulations Applicable to All Districts......................................................................... 13-6
§13.5. Signs in R Districts and for One- and Two-Family Dwellings in All Districts ......................... 13-9
§13.6. Signs in RA Districts and for Townhouses in any Zoning District ....................................... 13-11
§13.7. Signs in C and M Districts (excluding One- and Two-Family and Townhouse Uses) .......... 13-15
§13.8. Signs for urban regional shopping centers ......................................................................... 13-25
§13.9. Signs for Public, Civic and Institutional Buildings ............................................................... 13-36
§13.10. Signs in Public Districts and on Public Property in any District .......................................... 13-38
§13.11. Signs by Private Parties in the Public Right-Of-Way ........................................................... 13-47
§13.12. Sign Illumination ................................................................................................................. 13-50
§13.13. Flashing, Moving and Changeable Copy Signs.................................................................... 13-52
§13.14. Sign Permits ........................................................................................................................ 13-55
§13.15. Comprehensive Sign Plans Approved After July 24, 2012 .................................................. 13-55
§13.16. Temporary Signs for Construction and Sale/Leasing ......................................................... 13-58
§13.17. General Provisions .............................................................................................................. 13-60
§13.18. Nonconforming Signs ......................................................................................................... 13-61
§13.19. Definitions and Interpretations .......................................................................................... 13-63
ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ................................................................................ 14-1
§14.1. Maintenance of Common Area ............................................................................................ 14-1
§14.2. Landscaping .......................................................................................................................... 14-1
§14.3. Parking and Loading ............................................................................................................. 14-4
§14.4. Outdoor Lighting ................................................................................................................ 14-20
§14.5. Aircraft Landing Approach Area ......................................................................................... 14-20
§14.6. Outdoor Storage and Display ............................................................................................. 14-21
ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES ......................................................................... 15-1
§15.1. Common Procedures ............................................................................................................ 15-1
§15.2. Certificates of Occupancy ..................................................................................................... 15-4
§15.3. Map and Text Amendments ................................................................................................. 15-6
§15.4. Use Permits .......................................................................................................................... 15-8
§15.5. Site Plans .............................................................................................................................. 15-9
§15.6. Board of Zoning Appeals; Appeals and Variances .............................................................. 15-16
§15.7. Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) ................................................................................. 15-18
§15.8. Sign Permits ........................................................................................................................ 15-23
§15.9. Density Credit for Public Dedications ................................................................................. 15-24
ARTICLE 16. NONCONFORMITIES ................................................................................................... 16-1

Arlington County, Virginia iii
§1.1 TITLE ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
§16.1. Nonconforming Lots ............................................................................................................. 16-1

§16.2. Nonconforming Buildings and Structures ............................................................................ 16-1
§16.3. Nonconforming Uses ............................................................................................................ 16-3
§16.4. Nonconforming Due to Reclassification ............................................................................... 16-4
§16.5. Nonconforming Due to Public Acquisition of Land .............................................................. 16-4
§16.6. Condominium and Cooperative Conversion ........................................................................ 16-4
ARTICLE 17. VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES ............................................................. 17-1
§17.1. Violations .............................................................................................................................. 17-1
§17.2. Enforcement ......................................................................................................................... 17-1
§17.3. Civil Penalties........................................................................................................................ 17-1
§17.4. Criminal Penalties ................................................................................................................. 17-3
ARTICLE 18. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................. 18-1
§18.1. Word Usage .......................................................................................................................... 18-1
§18.2. General Terms Defined ........................................................................................................ 18-1
INDEX

iv Arlington County, Virginia
Article 1. Introductory Provisions
§1.1. Title
This ordinance and the official zoning map made a part hereof shall be known and may be cited and
referred to as the “Arlington County Zoning Ordinance” or herein, simply as “this zoning ordinance”.
§1.2. Minimum Requirements

The provisions of this zoning ordinance shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the
promotion of health, safety, convenience, morals, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the public.
It is not intended by this zoning ordinance to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair or interfere
with any existing provisions of law or ordinance, any easement, covenant or private agreement, or any
rules, regulations or permits other than zoning regulations.
§1.3. USE OF BUILDINGS AND LAND

No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, structurally altered, enlarged or moved, and no
land or building shall be used or designed to be used for any purpose other than as may be hereinafter
permitted.
§1.4. Conflicting Provisions

Interpretation
A. Where any part of this zoning ordinance imposes a greater or lesser restriction upon the
use of the buildings or premises, or upon the height of the buildings, or requires larger or
smaller yards, courts or other open spaces than are imposed or required by other existing
agreements or provisions of law or ordinance, the provisions which are more restrictive
shall control.
B. Any permit filed and subject to approval prior to July 15, 1950 shall adhere to the
regulations of the zoning ordinance, as amended.
Constitutionality, repeal of conflicting provisions

A. Should any section or provision of this zoning ordinance be decided by the courts to be
unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a
whole, or any part thereof other than the part so held to be unconstitutional or invalid.
B. All ordinances or parts thereof which are in conflict with the provisions of this zoning
ordinance are hereby repealed.
§1.5. Street Frontage Required

Every building hereafter erected shall be located on a lot with frontage on a public street having a
minimum width of 30 feet as defined in this zoning ordinance.

Arlington County, Virginia 1-1
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
§1.6 HEADINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
§1.7.1 GENERAL DISTRICTS
§1.6. Headings and Illustrations

Headings and illustrations are provided for convenience and reference only and do not define or limit
the scope of any provision of this zoning ordinance. In case of any difference of meaning or implication
between the text of this zoning ordinance and any heading, drawing, table, figure, or illustration, the
text controls.
§1.7. Zoning Districts Established

General districts
The following general zoning districts are hereby established. District groupings include Public
(P), Residential (R), Residential Apartment (RA), Commercial/Mixed Use (C), and Industrial (M)
districts.
GENERAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Public (P) districts
S-3A Special
S-D Special Development
P-S Public Service
Residential (R) districts
R-20 One-family Dwelling
R-10T One-family and Townhouse Dwelling
R-5 One-family and Restricted Two-family Dwelling
R15-30T Townhouse Dwelling
R2-7 Two-family Dwelling
Residential Apartment (RA) districts
RA14-26 Multiple-family Dwelling
Commercial/Mixed-use (C) districts
RA4.8 Multiple-family Dwelling
R-C Multiple-family Dwelling and Commercial
RA-H Hotel
RA-H-3.2 Multiple-family Dwelling and Hotel
C-1-R Restricted Local Commercial
C-1 Local Commercial
CP-FBC Columbia Pike Form Based Code
CPN-FBC Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code
MU-VS Mixed Use – Virginia Square
C-1-O Limited Commercial-Professional Office Building
C-O-1.0 Mixed Use
C-O-1.5 Mixed Use
C-O-2.5 Mixed Use
C-O Mixed Use
C-O-A Mixed Use
C-O Rosslyn Mixed Use Rosslyn
C-O Crystal City Mixed Use ‘Crystal City

1-2 Arlington County, Virginia
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS §1.7 ZONING DISTRICTS EST ABLISHED
§1.7.2 OVERLAY AND SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS
GENERAL ZONING DISTRICTS

C-2 Service Commercial-Community Business
C-TH Commercial Townhouse
C-3 General Commercial
C-R Commercial Redevelopment
Industrial (M) Districts
CM Limited Industrial
M-1 Light Industrial
M-2 Service Industrial
Overlay and Special Purpose Districts

The following districts are hereby established.
ZONING DISTRICTS 0F
Special Purpose District

CP-FBC Columbia Pike Form Based Code
CPN-FBC Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code
Overlay District
HD Historic Preservation


Article 2. District Map
§2.1. Incorporated as Part of this Zoning Ordinance
The locations and boundaries of the districts shall be as shown on a map entitled, "Arlington County,
Virginia Zoning Boundaries, July 2013, as amended" which map is hereby declared to be a part of this
zoning ordinance. The said map represents a series of maps showing the more detailed location of
boundaries between districts , said series of maps being entitled, "2013 Real Property Identification
1F
Map, as amended." All notations, dimensions and designations shown thereon shall be as much a part
of this zoning ordinance as if the same were all fully described herein.
§2.2. Map Interpretation

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any of the aforesaid districts as shown on said maps,
the following rules shall apply:
Existing boundaries
These district boundary lines are intended to follow street, alley, lot or property lines as they
exist at the time of the passage of this zoning ordinance, unless such district boundary lines are
fixed by dimensions as shown on the "2013 Real Property Identification Map” as amended.
Follow lot lines

Where such boundaries are so indicated that they approximately follow lot lines, and are not
more than 10 feet distant therefrom, such lot lines shall be construed to be such boundaries,
unless specifically shown otherwise.
§2.3. Future Boundaries to Street Centerline

Hereafter, all amendments of the zoning district maps shall encompass all land to the center line of all
abutting streets, alleys or other public ways unless County Board action adopting said amendment
specifically states otherwise.

Article 3. Density and Dimensional Standards
§3.1. Measurements, Computations and Exceptions
Area
A. Lot
1. Defined
A lot is a designated parcel,
tract or area of land having its
principal frontage upon a
street or a place permitted
under the subdivisions
ordinance and established by
plat or subdivision.
2. Lot area
Lot area shall be that area, measured in gross square feet or acres, contained within a
lot.
3. Lot area, minimum
(a) Minimum lot area is the smallest lot area established by this zoning ordinance on
which a use or structure may be located in a particular district.
(b) No part of the minimum requirement may be met by using an area that is also
counted for the minimum requirement of some other provision of this zoning
ordinance or the subdivisions ordinance.
B. Buildable area
Buildable area is the area of a lot within which a structure can be placed and remaining
after the minimum yard and open space requirements of this zoning ordinance have been
met.
C. Gross floor area
Gross floor area is the sum of the area of the horizontal surface of the several floors of a
building measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls, to include all floor area not
defined as gross parking area.
D. Site area
Site area is the total area of land contained within the property lines of a development
project.
Build-to line
Build-to line is a line established along a street frontage extending the full width of the lot,
either on or setback from the right-of-way line that defines the block face and establishes
building placement.

§3.1 MEASUREMENTS, COMPUTATIONS AND EXCEPTION S ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
§3.1.3 COURT
Court
A. Defined
An open, unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building or group of
buildings and which is bounded on two or more sides by such building or buildings.
B. Inner
A court other than an outer court.
1. The length or depth of an inner court is the minimum horizontal dimension measured
parallel to its longest side.
2. The width of an inner court is the minimum horizontal dimension measured at right
angles to its length.
C. Outer
A court the full width of which opens onto a required yard, or street or alley.
1. The length or depth of an outer court is the minimum horizontal dimension measured
at right angles to its width.
2. The width of an outer court is the minimum horizontal dimension measured in the
same general direction as the yard, street or alley upon which the court opens.
Coverage
A. Lot coverage
1. Lot coverage is the percentage
determined by dividing the area
of a lot covered by the total
square feet of all features within
the lot identified in §3.1.4.A.1(a)
through §3.1.4.A.1(h) below, by
the gross area of that lot:
(a) The main building footprint, as
defined in §3.1.4.C;
(b) The total footprints of
accessory buildings that have either footprints larger than 150 square feet, or
heights of two stories or more;
(c) Driveways and parking pads including, without limitation, any unpaved center strip
or other portion of the driveway and any lot area regularly used for maneuvering or
parking of vehicles, whether paved or unpaved;
(d) Patios that are eight inches or higher above finished grade;
(e) Decks that are four feet or higher from finished grade that are not attached to a
main building;
(f) Gazebos and pergolas, whether enclosed or unenclosed and with or without
foundations;

ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS §3.1 MEASUREMENTS, COMPUTATIONS AND EXCEPTION S
§3.1.5 FLOOR AREA RATIO
(g) Stoops and landings (including those associated with stairs) that are four feet or
higher above finished grade; and
(h) In-ground swimming pools.
2. The following are not counted in lot coverage:
(a) Air conditioners, compressors, generators, stormwater planters, and other similar
equipment, whether or not set on a foundation;
(b) Above ground swimming pools;
(c) Sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways; exterior basement steps, areaways and
window wells;
(d) Tents and other temporary structures; play equipment; outdoor furniture;
barbecues and grills; and
(e) Hot tubs.
B. Main building footprint coverage
Main building footprint coverage is the percentage determined by dividing that area
covered by a main building footprint in square feet by the gross area of the lot in square
feet on which the main building is located.
C. Main building footprint
The main building footprint shall include all
parts of a main building that rest, directly or
indirectly, on the ground, including, by way of
illustration and not by limitation, attached
garages, bay and oriel windows with floor
space, chimneys, porches, decks with floor
heights that are four feet or higher above
finished grade, balconies with horizontal
projections that are four feet or more, and
covered breezeways connected to a main
building.
Floor area ratio

Floor area ratio is the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area.
Height
A. Building height
Building height is the vertical distance from existing grade to the highest point of the roof
surface, if a flat roof, to the deck line of mansard roof, and to the mean height level
(midpoint) between eaves and highest ridge point for gable, hip or gambrel roof. When a
dormer exceeds 50 percent of the horizontal width of the roof, the dormer roof then
becomes the main roof on that side of the building, and the building height is the vertical
distance from existing grade to the mean height level (midpoint) between the eaves and

§3.1.6 HEIGHT
ridge of the dormer roof.
1. Measurement in R districts, except RA districts

The average existing grade is calculated by averaging the existing grade at four points
at the perimeter of the building, that include two points each on the front and rear of
the building, at the
points closest to the
applicable side lot lines.
The vertical distance is
the difference between
the average existing
grade and a single
building height
determined as described
in §3.1.6.A above (or
two building heights, in
the case where there is a
dormer that exceeds 50
percent of the horizontal
width of the roof).
2. Measurement in all other districts (including RA districts)
Vertical distance is measured from a calculated average elevation of the existing or
officially approved grade of the site at the perimeter of the site. However, no wall or
any structure in any district shall be exposed more than two stories more than the
number permitted for that district.

ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS §3.1 MEASUREMENTS, COMPUTATIONS AND EXCEPTION S
§3.1.7 LOT DEPTH
B. Exceptions
1. Mechanical penthouses, fire or parapet walls, skylights, radio towers, steeples,
flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks or similar structures may be erected above the
height limits herein prescribed, but no mechanical penthouse or roof structure or any
space above the height limit shall be allowed for the purpose of providing additional
floor space. Such structures shall not exceed 23 feet. Mechanical penthouses shall be
concealed by exterior architectural material of the same type or quality as that used
on the exterior walls of the building.
2. Noncommercial radio towers or masts, excluding amateur radio antennas permitted
by §12.9.3, may exceed the height limit by no more than 25 feet.
3. Chimneys and smokestacks which are an integral part of a mechanical penthouse may
exceed the height limit by no more than 27 feet.
4. County government and public school communication facilities may be erected to
exceed the height limit or height of existing structures by no more than 50 feet.
5. Amateur radio antennas shall not exceed 75 feet in height above the ground level. In
addition, they shall comply with all of the following requirements:
(a) No amateur radio antenna, or support structure therefore shall be located in a
front yard, or within 25 feet from any street setback line or within 10 feet from any
side or rear property line.
(b) Amateur radio antennas shall be located only in side or rear yards. In a zoning
district that does not require a rear yard, the antenna may be placed on a building's
main roof, but not on the mechanical penthouse of the building. Amateur radio
antennas are permitted to be placed in the side yard, only when they are attached
to the existing main structures.
Lot depth
Lot depth is the distance between the front and rear lot lines. Lot depth is measured along a
straight line connecting the midpoint of the front lot line and the midpoint of the rear lot line.
Minimum lot width

A. Defined
Minimum lot width is the distance determined by dividing the lot area by the lot depth.

§3.1.9 SETBACKS AND YARDS
B. Minimum lot width

1. Every lot must meet the required minimum lot width for the applicable zoning district
at the midpoint of the depth of the portion of the lot used for the calculation of the
minimum lot width except as may be permitted by §16.5. The midpoint lot width shall
be measured at right angles to the lot depth line at its midpoint.
2. Where a lot area exceeds the required minimum area for its particular zoning district,
the minimum lot width may be computed within the boundary of a portion of the lot
that meets the minimum lot area requirement. In that case, the front and/or rear lot
line that is substituted for the original front or rear lot line must be parallel to the
original front or rear lot lines, respectively. The midpoint lot width shall be measured
at right angles to the lot depth line at its midpoint.
Setbacks and yards

Setback refers to the distance which a building is required to be "set back" from a lot line or
from nearest building or structure. 10F
A. Yard
An open space, other than a court, on a lot, which space: (a) either, (1) lies between a lot
line and a building, a building group, or a use not involving a building, or (2) on a vacant lot
abuts a lot line and has a uniform depth or width, as the case may be, equal to the
minimum depth or width of yard required under the regulations for the district in which is
situated the lot on which such yard is located; and (b) is unoccupied and unobstructed
from the ground upward except for certain features specified in §3.2.5.
B. Types of yards
1. Front yard
A yard extending across the full width of the lot and abutting the front lot line.
2. Rear yard
A yard extending the full width of the lot and abutting the rear lot line.
3. Side yard
A yard abutting a side lot line and extending from the front yard to the rear yard, or in
the absence of either of such yards, to the front or rear lot line.
C. Measurement of yards
1. The depth or width of a yard, as the case may be, shall be measured from the nearest
point of the building, building group or use not involving a building to the nearest
point of the lot line bounding the yard.

ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS §3.2 BULK, COVERAGE AND PLACEMENT REQUIREMENT S
§3.2.1 PURPOSE
D. Yard encroachments
See §3.2.6.A.3 for permitted encroachments into setbacks.
§3.2. Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements

Purpose
Virtually every land use requires an appropriate relationship between lot area and intensity of
use, and sufficient open space surrounding such use, to secure safety from fire, panic and other
dangers; to ensure privacy; to lessen congestion in the streets; to promote health and the
general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to
avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate adequate provision for transportation,
drainage and other public requirements; to conserve the value of buildings and encourage the
most appropriate use of land.

§3.2 BULK, COVERAGE AND PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
§3.2.2 HEIGHT
Height
A. Height of allowed uses is as specified in the respective district regulations.
B. No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, structurally altered, enlarged or
moved to exceed in height the limit hereinafter designated.
Lot area, minimum

A. Lot area of allowed uses is as specified in the respective district regulations.
B. No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, structurally altered, enlarged or
moved, no open space surrounding any building shall be encroached upon or reduced in
any manner, no lot shall be reduced in area, except in conformity with all area and
building location, bulk, placement and coverage regulations hereinafter designated except
as may be permitted by §16.5. No yard or other space provided about any building shall
be considered as providing a yard or open space for the building on any other lot.
C. In townhouse or cluster development no required or provided lot or yard areas for a
dwelling unit, in situations where there is one dwelling per lot, shall be encumbered by
common use or access easements.
Lot width
A. Minimum lot width is as specified in the respective district regulations.
B. No parcel of land held under separate ownership, with or without buildings on July 15,
1950, shall be subdivided, resubdivided, or reduced in any manner below the minimum lot
width and lot area required by this ordinance except as may be permitted by §16.5.
C. Exceptions
1. Split-lots shall be permitted, as a matter of right, only in the R-20, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-5
and R2-7 districts, as an alternative to pipe-stem lot development. Split-lot residential
developments are permitted only when the applicant has demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the zoning administrator, which may include a survey plat, that the
property that is the subject of the split-lot application meets all ordinance standards
to create one interior lot and one pipe-stem lot. The pipe-stem lot that can be
created must have a minimum frontage of 40 feet on a public street. Except as
specifically provided below, split-lot residential developments shall satisfy all
applicable subdivision and zoning requirements, including those for minimum lot area,
setback and yards, coverage, parking, and building height, and all of the following
requirements:
(a) Split-lot residential development shall be permitted only on sites that have a
minimum lot frontage of 140 feet in the R-20 district; 120 feet in the R-10 district;
110 feet in the R-8 district; 100 feet in the R-6 district; and 90 feet in the R-5 district
and the R2-7 district.
(b) Split-lot residential development shall be defined as the subdivision of one lot into
two by adding a straight lot line that extends from the midpoint of the front lot line
to the midpoint of the rear lot line.

ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS §3.2 BULK, COVERAGE AND PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
§3.2.5 COVERAGE
(c) The minimum lot width for any lot created under the split-lot provision shall be: 70
feet in the R-20 district; 60 feet in the R-10 districts; 55 feet in the R-8 district; 50
feet in R-6 district; and 45 feet in the R-5 district, and the R2-7 district.
Coverage
A. One-family dwellings
On any one-family dwelling lot in an R, RA, C, and M district, the following shall apply:
MAXIMUM COVERAGE AND CAP
R-5 R-6, R2-7, R-8 R-10, R-20
Categories
R15-30T RA, C, M R-10T
Maximum lot coverage (%) 45 40 35 32 25
Maximum lot coverage of one-family dwelling with porch of at
least 60 square feet (exclusive of any wrap-around or side 48 43 38 35 28
portion) on the front elevation (%)
Maximum lot coverage with detached garage in the rear yard (%) 50 45 40 37 30
Maximum lot coverage with detached garage in the rear yard
and porch of at least 60 square feet (exclusive of any wrap 53 48 43 40 33
around or side portion) on the front elevation (%)
Maximum main building footprint coverage (%) 34 30 25 25 16
Maximum main building footprint coverage with front porch (%) 37 33 28 28 19
Maximum main building footprint (sf.) 2,380 2,520 2,800 3,500 4,480
Maximum main building footprint with front porch (sf.) 2,590 2,772 3,136 3,920 5,320
1. Existing main and accessory buildings or structures that, as of November 15, 2005, are
not in conformance with the coverage requirements adopted on November 15, 2005,
may be rebuilt within the building footprint and height and stories as they existed on
November 15, 2005 if such structures are damaged or destroyed by fire, wind,
earthquake, or other force majeure. Such rebuilding shall only be permitted if
commenced within two years after such damage or destruction. 14F
2. Maximum main building footprint coverage on undersized lots in a zoning district shall
be the same square footage as permitted on a standard sized lot (e.g., 6000 square
feet in R-6) in the zoning district, subject to all applicable setback requirements.
B. Lots in R, RA, R2-7, C-1-O districts
For all lots in R, RA, R2-7, and C-1-O districts that are not used for one-family dwellings, lot
coverage shall not exceed 56 percent, except as may be specified in the various district
classifications, or unless where otherwise permitted to be modified by site plan or use
permit.
Placement
The following regulations shall govern the placement on a lot of any building or structure, or
addition thereto, hereafter erected, except as may be allowed by site plan approval or as
otherwise specifically provided in this Zoning Ordinance:
A. Setbacks (required yards)
1. Setbacks from any street
No structure shall be located closer to the centerline of any street or officially
designated street right-of-way (as defined in this zoning ordinance) than 50 percent of
the height of the building. For the purpose of determining setbacks, a limited access

§3.2 BULK, COVERAGE AND PLACEMENT REQUIREMENT S ARTICLE 3. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
highway shall be considered as an abutting lot and not as a street or street right-of-
way. Structures shall be set back from streets no less than as follows:
(a) For all C, M and P-S districts excepting C-1, C-1-O, C-1-R, and C-O
40 feet from said centerline of any street, except for properties located within
the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use Plan and zoned
C-3.
(b) For all RA4.8 and C-O districts
50 feet from said centerline of any street.
(c) For all C-3 district properties in the “Clarendon Revitalization District”
on the General Land Use Plan
50 feet from the centerline of Fairfax Drive or any street containing more than
five lanes, including travel lanes and on-street parking lanes, and 40 feet from
the centerline in all other cases.
(d) For all residential structures and all structures in all other districts
except for one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures
regulated by §3.2.5.A.1(e)
The larger of either 50 feet from said centerline of any street, or 25 feet from any
street right-of-way line.
(e) For all one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures
No structure shall be located less than 25 feet from any street right-of-way line,
except that the distance between any street or officially designated street right-
of-way line and the front wall of a structure, with the exception of stoops and
covered or uncovered but unenclosed porches, may be reduced as follows:
(1) The distance shall be at least the average of the distances between the
street right-of-way line, and the edges of the front walls of existing
structures located on the frontage where the structure is proposed to be
located, subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator, of a plat showing
all existing structures located on the subject frontage;
(2) The distance shall be at least 15 feet, provided, however, that no parking
garage shall be located closer than 18 feet from the street right-of-way line;
and
(3) No structure located within 25 feet of a street right-of-way line shall exceed
2 ½ stories. 18F
2. Side and rear yards

No structure shall be located closer to side or rear lot lines than as follows:
(a) For all RA4.8, C, M and P-S districts, not including C-1-O
No side or rear yard shall be required except that no wall either on the side or
rear of a lot abutting an R or RA district or containing openings or windows,
whether or not they can be opened, shall be located closer to side or rear lot
lines than eight feet for the first 10 feet of building height, plus two additional
feet for each 10 additional feet of building height, or fraction thereof.

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
(b) For all one-family dwellings and their accessory structures

10 feet, provided that one side yard may be reduced to eight feet. The aggregate
width of both side yards on any lot shall not be less than 30 percent of the
required width of the lot, provided that on interior lots no structure shall be
located closer than 25 feet from a rear lot line.
(c) For all accessory buildings in R districts
(1) No addition to a main building shall be located closer than eight feet to any
wall of an existing accessory building.
(2) No accessory buildings of two or more stories, or taller than 25 feet shall
occupy any part of a required rear yard nor shall any wall of such accessory
building be located closer than 10 feet to any lot line, or closer than 15 feet
to any wall of a main building. Provided, however, that for new
construction of accessory buildings with heights lower than 1½ stories or 25
feet, whichever is less, and footprint smaller than 560 square feet in R-5 or
R-6 districts, or 650 square feet in any other district, placement may be as
follows:
(i) No wall of any accessory building shall be located closer than eight feet to
any wall of a main building;
(ii) On interior lots, the nearest edge of the eave of an accessory building shall
not be located closer than one foot to a side or rear lot line; and
(iii)On corner lots, the nearest edge of an eave of an accessory building shall
not be located closer than one foot to any side lot line or 10 feet to any
rear lot line.
(d) For all nonresidential main buildings in R and RA districts
Double the side and rear yard requirements for the district in which said
structures are located.
(e) For all other residential buildings and for structures in all other districts
10 feet plus one additional foot for each 2 1/2 feet, or fraction thereof, of
building height above 25 feet, provided that on interior lots no structure shall be
located closer than 25 feet from a rear lot line.
(f) Side yards for semidetached dwelling
For the purpose of side yard regulations, a semidetached dwelling shall be
considered as one building occupying one lot.
3. Encroachments allowed into required yards and courts
The following encroachments shall be allowed into required yards and courts
(a) No building or structure, or addition thereto, other than walls or fences, shall
encroach into a required yard or court; except that:
(1) Bay and oriel windows without floor space and chimneys may encroach 18
inches.
(2) Trellises of neither more than eight feet in height nor more than a total of
eight feet in length may be placed in any required side or rear yard, but not
nearer than 18 inches to any property line; provided, however:

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
i. Trellises incorporated as fences

Subject to the provisions of §3.2.6.A.3(e), trellises of a total height and
length not to exceed the dimensions in §3.2.6.A.3(a)(2), may be
incorporated as part of fences; and
ii. Trellises providing screening from an accessory building
Only where a trellis is placed to provide screening from an accessory
building that is within five feet of the common side lot line on abutting
property, trellises placed as provided in §3.2.6.A.3(a)(2) above, may be
increased to no more than the height and width of the abutting
accessory building, but under no circumstances shall such trellises be
larger than 14 feet in height and a total of 25 feet in length.
(3) The following unenclosed uses may encroach no more than four feet but
not nearer than five feet to any property line: Balconies; eaves, trim and
fascia boards and similar architectural features; window wells and
areaways; decks and patios that are eight inches or higher from finished
grade; stoops; and attached stormwater planters and similar features.
(4) Porches on interior lots, including the base, supporting columns and roof,
may encroach four feet into the required front and rear yard, provided that
they are no closer than 21 feet to any street right-of-way line and that no
rear porch shall exceed the height of the first story of the building to which
it is attached. Porch eaves on interior lots may encroach an additional 18
inches beyond the edge of the porch, provided they are no closer than 19.5
feet to any street right-of-way line.
(5) Porches on corner lots, including the base, supporting columns and roof,
may encroach four feet into the required front yard and the required side
yard facing the street right-of-way, provided that they are no closer than 21
feet to any street right-of-way line. Porch eaves on corner lots may
encroach an additional 18 inches beyond the edge of the porch, provided
they are no closer than 19.5 feet to any street right-of-way line.
(6) Stairs and steps may encroach into required yards and courts, provided they
are no closer than five feet to any lot line, and provided that stairs and steps
that encroach more than four feet into required yards shall be uncovered,
and for one-family detached dwellings, shall be no wider than 35 percent of
the width of the building elevation facing that yard. Stairs and steps that
are less than 8 inches above finished grade may come all the way to the lot
line.

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
(b) Air conditioning units

and similar
mechanical
equipment including
emergency
generators; pool
equipment;
compressors; and heat
pumps are permitted
in required side and
rear yards, provided
that they are under no
circumstances less
than eight feet from
any side lot line or 10
feet from any rear lot
line. However, air
conditioning units and
similar mechanical equipment as described above, that are screened with fence or
vegetation, and stormwater planters that are separate structures (whether
screened or not) may encroach into a required front, side or rear yard, where it is
located no closer than eight feet to any front or rear lot line, and no closer than five
feet to any side lot line. Stormwater planters with walls no higher than eight inches
from finished grade may be located within any required yard.

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
(c) Except porches existing on November 20, 1976, any roofed-over area which is
attached to a main structure and which encroaches on required front, side or rear
yard area may not be enclosed.
(d) Subsurface parking and subsurface accessory structures may be located anywhere
on a property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge the right of the
County Board, by site plan approval, to permit the use of air rights over streets and
public property, together with inter-building connections or projections into yards
associated therewith.
(e) The front, side and rear yard requirements of this zoning ordinance shall not be
deemed to prohibit any otherwise lawful fence or wall which is not more than four
feet high; provided, however, that a fence or wall along the rear lot line or along a
side lot line to the rear of the required setback line may be erected to a height not
exceeding seven feet; provided, further, that in side and rear yards of corner lots,
fences up to six feet in height may be erected in the required setback in order to
permit the enclosure of the side and rear yards for privacy so long as the
requirements of §3.2.6.A.4, relating to visual clearance are maintained. No fence
exceeding four feet in height shall be placed within three feet of any public right-of-
way. This provision shall not be interpreted to prohibit the erection of any open
mesh type fence enclosing any school or playground.
(f) The zoning administrator shall permit construction of benches, shelters, and bike
share stations for passengers of public transportation facilities even though such
construction would otherwise violate setback and yard requirements of this section
of the zoning ordinance when he is requested by a public authority to permit such
construction, and when satisfactory evidence that such construction would not
have an adverse effect on automobile and pedestrian traffic safety is presented to
him.
(g) Ramps and other structures or equipment provided to comply with the accessibility
requirements for individuals with disabilities in the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code (VUSBC), or to provide access for individuals with disabilities to any
building or structure which is exempt from said accessibility requirements, may
extend, to the extent reasonably necessary, into any minimum required front, side
or rear yard or court.
(h) The front, side and rear yard requirements of this zoning ordinance shall not be
deemed to prohibit any otherwise lawful kiosk meeting the requirements of
§12.5.12; provided, however, that a kiosk shall not be placed within the visual
clearance area. (See §3.2.6.A.4).

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
4. Visual clearance (corners)

(a) R and RA
districts
On any corner lot
in an R or RA
district there
shall be no
planting,
structure,
retaining wall,
fence, shrubbery or obstruction to vision between a height of three feet and a
height of 10 feet above the curb level within the triangle formed by the street
right-of-way lines and a line connecting said street lines 25 feet from their
intersection.
(b) C, M and P-S districts
On any corner lot
in any C or M
district, no
building or
obstructions shall
be permitted
between a height
of one foot and a
height of 10 feet
higher than the
curb level within the triangle formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line
connecting said street lines 10 feet from their intersection.
5. Courts
(a) An "outer court" with window openings shall have a depth not more than 1 1/2
times its width.
(b) An "inner court" shall not have any horizontal dimension, measured at right angles
to any wall with window openings, which is less than the height of the building
above the floor level of the story containing such openings; but under no
circumstances shall the width be less than 20 feet. No other dimension of such
court shall be less than one-third the height of the building above the floor level of
the lowest story served by such court, but under no circumstances shall the width
be less than 10 feet.
6. Open spaces for multiple building projects
For projects having more than one main building, the front setback, side and rear yard
requirement shall apply along the boundary lines of the project. The minimum
distances between the main buildings within the project shall be the sum of the side
yard requirements between the respective buildings for each building as though it
were located on a separate lot. Multiple-family dwelling projects which are less than
35 feet in building height shall have a minimum distance between main buildings of 20
feet. Except in R districts, these regulations shall also apply to all townhouse projects

§3.2.6 PLACEMENT
and the setback and yard requirements for individual lots within the project are not
applicable.
7. Provision for development on certain streets
The zoning administrator shall have the authority to permit residential development
on streets otherwise meeting the width requirements of this zoning ordinance but on
which a dwelling or dwellings, in existence before the adoption of this zoning
ordinance, encroach into the street right-of way; provided, however, that the
proposed development shall not be permitted unless it is otherwise proper and the
zoning administrator has approved a traffic engineering plan for the proposed
development designed to minimize any adverse impact on health and safety caused
by the encroaching dwelling or dwellings or increased by the proposed development.

Article 4. Public (P) Districts
§4.1. Public (P) Districts Use Tables
General
The use tables of this section list all uses allowed within P districts, and is subject to the
explanations set forth below.
Public (P) districts principal use table

Table §4.1.2 lists the principal uses allowed within the P districts.
A. Permitted uses
A ”P” indicates that a use is permitted by-right and may be approved administratively in
the respective general district subject to all other applicable requirements of this zoning
ordinance, including the specific use standards in Article 12 and the site development
standards of Article 13 and Article 14. Subject to density and dimensional standards in the
subject district or as approved by use permit or site plan, all uses permitted by-right may
also be approved administratively in buildings controlled under use permit or site plan,
except where expressly prohibited by use permit or site plan conditions for the subject
property or where the subject property is expressly approved only for a specific use or
uses.
B. Use permit approval required
A “U” indicates a special exception use that may be allowed subject to approval of a use
permit as provided in §15.4. The Zoning Administrator may require a use permit for such
use, whether the use is located in a building approved administratively or whether located
in a building controlled by use permit or site plan. Uses allowed by use permit are subject
to all other applicable requirements of this zoning ordinance, including the specific use
standards in Article 12 and the site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14.
C. Site plan approval required
An “S” indicates a special exception use that may be allowed more flexibility in
development form and density subject to site plan approval as provided in §15.5. Site
plan uses are subject to all other applicable requirements of this zoning ordinance to the
extent not modified through the site plan approval, including the specific use standards in
Article 12 and the site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14.
D. Uses not allowed
A blank cell (one without a “P”, “U”, or “S”) in the use table indicates that a use is not
allowed in the respective district. Uses not specifically listed may be allowed pursuant to
the similar use determination procedure of §12.2.2.
E. Use standards
The final “use standard” column on the use table contains references to use standards
that apply to the listed use types in all districts in which the use is allowed.
F. Accessory and temporary uses
The regulations that apply to accessory and short term uses are contained in §12.9 and
§12.10.

§4.1 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS
§4.1.2 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
G. Use categories
All of the use categories listed in the table below are described in §12.2. The first column
of the use table lists the sub-categories. The second column of the use table lists the
specific use types included within the respective sub-categories.
PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
S-3A
Use
S-D
P-S
Use Category Specific Use Types Standards
KEY: P = allowed by-right; U = requires use permit approval; S = requires site plan approval; Blank cell = not permitted
Residential Use Categories (See §12.2.3)
Household
Living Dwelling, one-family 26F P P P
(See §12.2.3.A)
U
Group Assisted living centers, and nursing homes
S
Living
(See §12.2.3.B) U
Group homes U U
S
Public, Civic and Institutional Use Categories (§12.2.4)
Colleges U
Colleges and universities U U §12.4.7
(§12.2.4.A) S
Community centers P P P
Libraries P P P
Community
Service Museums and art galleries or studios P P P
(See §12.2.4.B) Recreation centers P P §12.4.6
P P
Swimming pools, community §12.4.8
U U
Day Care Child care centers U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.C) All other day care uses U U
Detention or correctional facilities P
Governmental
Facilities Fire and police stations P P
(See §12.2.4.D) Publicly-owned or controlled repair garages, storage areas and yards and
P
warehouses
Hospital U
Hospitals U U
(See §12.2.4.E) S
Arboretums, forests and nature preserves P P
Parks and Cemeteries P P
Open Space
(See §12.2.4.F) Country clubs and golf courses P P
Parks, playgrounds and playfields P P P
Passenger
Terminals and
Bus, trolley, air, boat and rail passenger terminals U U §12.4.4
Services
(See §12.2.4.G)
Religious
Institutions Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples P P P
(See §12.2.4.H)
Schools U
Schools, elementary, middle, or high U U §12.4.7
(See §12.2.4.I) S
30F
Social Service
Institutions All social service institutions U U
(See §12.2.4.J)

ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS §4.1 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
§4.1.2 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
S-3A
Use
S-D
P-S
Electrical generating plants and substations P

Utilities, Major
Wastewater treatment plants P
(See §12.2.4.K)
Water storage facilities P
All other major utilities U U §12.4.9
Bus shelters; bike share stations U U §12.4.4
Utilities, Minor
Wastewater pump stations P
(See §12.2.4.K)
Water pump station P
Retail, Service and Commercial Use Categories (See §12.2.5)
Food Establishments
All food establishments
(See §12.2.5.B)
Entertainment,
All entertainment uses
(See §12.2.5.A)
Office Offices, local government P
(See §12.2.5.C) All other office uses
Overnight Accommodations
All overnight accommodations uses
(See §12.2.5.D)
Parking, Commercial Publicly-owned parking area U U §12.4.3
(See §12.2.5.E) All other commercial parking
Recreation, Indoor
All indoor recreation uses
(See §12.2.5.F.2(a)
Recreation, Outdoor
All outdoor recreation uses
(See §12.2.5.F.2(b)
Kiosks U U §12.5.12
Retail, Sales
Open-air markets U U U §12.5.17
(See §12.2.5.G.2(a))
All other retail sales uses
Retail, Personal Service
All retail personal service uses
(See §12.2.5.G.2(b))
Retail, Repair
All retail repair uses
(See §12.2.5.G.2(c))
Self-service Storage
All self-service storage uses §12.5.25
(See §12.2.5.H)
Vehicle Sales and Service
All vehicle sales and service uses
(See §12.2.5.I)
Industrial Use Categories (See §12.2.6)
Light Industrial Service
All light industrial service uses
(See §12.2.6.A)
Manufacturing and Production
All manufacturing and production uses
(See §12.2.4.B)
Heavy Industrial
All heavy industrial uses
(See §12.2.6.C)
Warehouse and Freight
Movement All warehouse and freight movement uses
(See §12.2.6.D)
Waste-related Service Recycling centers U U

§4.1 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS
§4.1.3 PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS TRANSITIONAL USES T ABLE
S-3A
Use
S-D
P-S
(See §12.2.6.E) Separation and disposal facilities, including incinerators P P
Solid or liquid waste transfer P P
Wholesale Trade
All wholesale trade uses
(See §12.2.6.F)
Other use categories (See §12.2.7)
Agriculture
All agricultural uses
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource Extraction
All resource exaction uses
(See §12.2.7.B)
Telecommunications
Facilities All telecommunications facilities U U U
(§12.2.7.C)
Unclassified
(See §12.2.7.D
Public (P) districts transitional uses table

Transitional uses in Public (P) districts shall include the following uses, activities and structures:
Public (P) Districts Transitional Uses 32F
Use
S-3A
Standards
S-D
P-S
Specific Use Types
Transitional parking area U U §12.8.5
Public (P) districts accessory uses table

Accessory uses in Public (P) districts shall include the following uses, activities and structures:
Public (P) Districts Accessory Uses 3F
Use
S-3A
Standards
S-D
P-S
Specific Use Types

Telecommunications antennae, building and ground mounted U U U
Family day care homes (10 to 12 children) U U U §12.9.9
Family day care homes (up to nine children) P P P §12.9.9

ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS §4.2 S-3A, SPECIAL DISTRICT
§4.2.1 PURPOSE
§4.2. S-3A, Special District

Purpose
The purpose of the S-3A, Special District is to encourage the retention of certain properties in a
relatively undeveloped state. Land so designated may include publicly or privately owned
properties which have distinct and unique site advantages or other features so as to make
them desirable to retain as active or passive recreation or for a scenic vista. Also stream valley
floodplains could be included in this district.
Uses
Uses shall be as specified in §4.1.
Density and dimensional standards

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the S-3A district shall comply with the following area,
width and height requirements, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
Type of Standard One-family Dwelling All Other Uses
Lot area, minimum 3 acres 6,000 square feet
Lot width, average minimum (feet) 35F 60 60
Height, maximum (feet) 35 45
B. Special exception
All development allowed by special exception in the S-3A district shall comply with the
following standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board.
Colleges, Hospitals,
and Social Service
Type of Standard Institutions All Other Uses
Lot area, minimum 5 acres 6,000 square feet
Lot width, average minimum (feet)35F -- 60
C. Bulk, coverage and placement

For bulk, coverage and placement requirements not listed in this section see §3.2.
D. Exception
[RESERVED]
District use standards

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the S-3A district include:
A. Elementary, middle and high schools
For schools as described in §12.2.4.I, the County Board may, subject to approval of a use
permit as provided in §15.4:
1. Modify the number of required parking spaces and/or permit off-site parking to be
used, as provided and subject to the findings set forth in §14.3.7.C; and
2. Modify setbacks in §3.2.3.A and the density and dimensional standards in §4.2.3
above, for all buildings, accessory buildings and associated structures within the

§4.2 S-3A, SPECIAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS
§4.2.5 SITE DEVELOPMENT STA NDARDS
Western Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment District as shown on the General Land

Use Plan, where it finds that the development project is consistent with the Guiding
Principles and other policy guidance in the Western Rosslyn Area Plan, and provided
height does not to exceed 175 feet; and
3. Modify setbacks in §3.2.3.A and the density and dimensional standards in §4.2.3
above for all buildings and accessory buildings, provided it finds that:
(a) The scale and massing of the school development project are compatible with
existing and planned development abutting and across the street from the school
development project;
(b) The school development project incorporates a design that facilitates utilization of
the range of transportation options available in the vicinity of the school
development project;
(c) The school development project balances opportunities for providing open space
and recreational amenities within the school development project in a manner
appropriate for the size and location of the development project; and
(d) The school development project emphasizes energy conservation and
environmental sustainability through architectural design, materials, construction
methods, and site design.
Site development standards

The site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14 apply to all development, except as
otherwise specified below.
A. Parking
Parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of §14.3.
B. [Reserved]

ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS §4.3 S-D, SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
§4.3.1 PURPOSE
§4.3. S-D, Special Development District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the S-D district shall comply with the following area,
width and height requirements, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated:
One-family
Type of Standard Dwelling All Other Uses
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 6,000 43,560
Lot width, minimum average (feet) 60 --
Height, maximum
(stories) 3 3
(feet) 35 45
Floor area ratio, maximum -- 1.0
Lot coverage, maximum (percent) 56 56
Development allowed by special exception in the S-D district shall comply with the
following area, width and height requirements, except as otherwise approved by the
County Board
Nursing Homes, Convalescent
Homes, Intermediate Care
Facilities and Related Housing All Other
Type of Standard for the Elderly Uses
Lot width, minimum average (feet) -- --
Setbacks, minimum (feet)
Front As As
Side, interior Specified Specified
Side, total in in
Rear §3.2.6.A.2(c) §3.2.6.A.2(c)
Height, maximum (stories)
Site area 2 acres or more by site plan approval 6 6
Height, maximum (feet)
Floor area ratio, maximum 1.5 1.0
Lot coverage, maximum by site plan 75 75
(percent)


§4.3 S-D, SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS
§4.3.3 DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
D. Exceptions
1. Floor area ratio by site plan
(a) The maximum gross floor area shall not exceed the site area multiplied by the
prevailing F.A.R. of the surrounding area (calculated by averaging the F.A.R. of all
the improvements on each lot, any part of which is located within 260 feet from
any part of the site), except that the County Board may approve a development by
site plan approval with a maximum gross floor area not exceeding the site area
multiplied by 1.0. In judging the appropriateness of granting site plan approval for
hospitals and hospital-related medical and health care facilities at densities greater
than the prevailing F.A.R. of the surrounding area, the following guidelines shall be
considered:
(b) The bulk and placement of buildings shall be concentrated in a location on the site
so as to have the least negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The
basis for judging the appropriate bulk and placement of density on the site shall be
the degree to which the project achieves a tapering in height, bulk and mass from
the center of the site, or that portion of the site deemed appropriate for the
concentration of density on the master plan, down to the building line of the site so
that the building line of the site is set back at least as far as the required building
line of surrounding properties zoned R and RA, and the structures meet the height
requirements for the surrounding residential properties at the building line. Behind
the building line, the intent is to increase gradually in height in such a way as to
relate to the height and bulk requirements of the abutting residential properties, as
well as those residential properties across the street.
(c) The placing of parking underground, where feasible, shall be encouraged. Where
parking is provided in above-ground structures, they shall meet the bulk, coverage
and placement requirements for site plans required in subsection (b), above.
(d) A vehicular traffic mitigation plan shall be provided.
(e) A master plan outlining proposed future development on the site for a minimum of
five years from the date of site plan application shall be provided. Master plans
and a conceptual plan for the following five years shall include the information,
analysis and standards necessary for a plan to be the basis for judging future
requests.
(f) An increase in gross floor area of private medical offices may be approved only
when the applicant demonstrates the medical need for said office space. The total
gross floor area of private medical offices shall be substantially subordinate to the
gross floor area of hospital use.
(g) The impact on the continuous provision of medical services and facilities,
particularly those in existing buildings, shall be considered when using these
guidelines to evaluate new development.
2. [Reserved]

ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS §4.3 S-D, SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
§4.3.4 USE STANDARDS
Use standards
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking
Parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of §14.3, except as such
requirements may be modified in an approved site plan.
B. [Reserved]
Filing of site plan

In addition to other conditions, a conditional use permit may be issued on the condition that an
application for a site plan be subsequently filed and approved by the County Board.

§4.4 P-S, PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS
§4.4.1 PURPOSE
§4.4. P-S, Public Service District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses
Density and Dimensional Standards 4
A. By-right
All development in the P-S district shall comply with the following area, width and height
requirements, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated:
One-family All Other
Type of Standard Dwelling Uses
Lot area, minimum (acres) 3 --
Lot width, average minimum (feet) 60 --
Development allowed by special exception in the P-S district shall comply with the
Colleges, Hospitals and
Social Service All Other
Type of Standard Institutions Uses
Lot area, minimum (acres) 5 --

D. Exceptions
1. Smokestacks and water towers
Smokestacks and water towers may, by use permit, exceed 75 feet.
2. Publicly-owned or controlled recreation buildings or aquatic centers
Publicly owned or controlled recreation buildings or aquatic centers or properties,
located within areas designated as North Tract Special Planning District on the General
Land Use Plan, may be constructed to a height which does not exceed 100 feet.
3. Detention or correctional facilities and local government offices
Courthouses, detention or correctional facilities and County government offices
located on sites designated "government and community facilities" on the General
Land Use Plan and abutting or across the street from a zoning district in which heights
greater than 75 feet are allowed may be constructed to a height which does not
exceed that of the subject abutting district or district across the street, and exceptions
may be made to the provisions of §4.4.3.A, subject to the following:
(a) A use permit from the County Board under the provisions of §15.4 must be
obtained.

ARTICLE 4. PUBLIC (P) DISTRICTS §4.4 P-S, PUBLIC SERVICE DISTRICT
§4.4.4 DISTRICT USE STANDAR DS
(b) No use permit shall be granted for a structure which exceeds a height of 180 feet.
The County Board may approve bonus height of up to 11 percent, not to exceed
200 feet, for the focal point courthouse or county government administration
building for a Metro station area, as defined by approved sector plans, where the
added height will clearly be used to create an architectural feature which would be
recognized by the standards of professional architecture and professional city
planning to be the focal point for the area.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the P-S district include:
A. [Reserved]
Site development standard

A. Parking

Article 5. Residential (R) Districts
§5.1. Residential (R) Districts Use Tables
General
The use tables of this section lists all uses allowed within R districts, and is subject to the
Residential (R) districts principal use table

Table §5.1.2 lists the principal uses allowed within the R districts.
A. Permitted uses
uses.
D. Uses not allowed
allowed in the respective district. Uses not listed may be allowed pursuant to the similar
use determination procedure of §12.2.2.
E. Use standards
The final “use standard” column on the use table contains references use standards that
apply to the listed use types. The uses standards in Article 12 apply to more than one
district. Where use standards apply exclusively to a specific district(s), such standards are
listed in the respective district(s) regulations.

§5.1 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.1.2 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE

The regulations that apply to accessory and temporary uses are contained in §12.9 and
§12.10.
G. Transitional uses
The regulations that apply to transitional uses are contained in §12.8.
H. Use categories
All of the use categories listed in the table below are described in §12.2. The second
column of the use table lists some of the specific use types included within the respective
use categories.
RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
R-5
One-family detached P P P P P P P P §12.3.10
P
Duplexes
S
Duplexes, abutting RA, C or M districts, or located on a principal or
U U
minor arterial street as designated on the Arlington County Master §12.3.11
S S
Transportation Plan
Household Semidetached, abutting RA, C or M districts, or located on a
Living U U
principal or minor arterial street as designated on the Arlington §12.3.11
(See §12.2.3.A) S S
County Master Transportation Plan
P
Semidetached S
S
Townhouses S P
Townhouse, semidetached and existing one-family dwellings S
Townhouse, semidetached, one-family and stacked units S §5.8.4.A
Group Dormitories U U U U U U U U §12.3.3
Living Fraternity and sorority houses; U U U U U U U U §12.3.5
(See §12.2.3.B) Group homes U U U U U U U U §12.3.6
Colleges
Colleges and universities U U U U U U U U §12.3.6
§12.2.4.A)
Community centers U U U U U U U U
Community Community swimming pools U U U U U U U U §12.4.8
Service
(See §12.2.4.B) Libraries U U U U U U U U
Museums and art galleries or studios U U U U U U U U
Day Care Child care centers U U U U U U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.C) All other day care uses U U U U U U U U
Governmental
Facilities
(See §12.2.4.D)
Hospital
Hospitals U U U U U U U U §12.4.2
(See §12.2.4.E)
Parks and Cemeteries U U U U U U U U
Open Space Country clubs and golf courses U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.F) Parks, playgrounds and playfields U U U U U U U U

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.1 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
§5.1.2 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
R-5
Passenger Airports and aircraft landing fields U U U U U U U U
Terminals and
Services Bus, trolley, air, boat and rail passenger terminals U U U U U U U U §12.4.4
(See §12.2.4.G)
Religious
Institutions Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples P P P P P P P P
(See §12.2.4.H)
Schools
Schools, elementary, middle and high U U U U U U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.I)
Social Service
Institutions All social service institutions except those of a corrective nature U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.J)
Utilities, major
All major utilities U U U U U U U U §12.4.9
(See §12.2.4.K)
Utilities, minor Bus shelters; bike share stations U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.K) All other minor utilities P P P P P P P P
Food
Establishments All Food Establishments
(See§12.2.5.B)
Entertainment
Membership clubs and lodges U U U U U U U U §12.5.13
(See §12.2.5.A)
Office Offices, federal, state and local U U U U U U U U
(See§12.2.5.C) Offices or clinics, medical or dental U U U U §12.5.16
Overnight
Accommodations Bed and breakfasts U U U U U U U U §12.5.3
(See §12.2.5.D)
Parking,
Commercial All commercial parking uses
(See §12.2.5.E)
Recreation, Indoor
(See §12.2.5.F.2(a))
Recreation, Outdoor
(See §12.2.5.A)
Retail, Sales (See Open-air markets U U U U U U U U §12.5.17
§12.2.5.G.2(a)) All other retail sales uses
Retail, Personal
Service (See All retail personal service uses
§12.2.5.G.2(b))
Retail, Repair (See
All retail repair uses
§12.2.5.G.2(c))
Self-service
Storage All self-storage uses
(See §12.2.5.H)
Vehicle Sales
and Service All vehicle sales and service uses
(See §12.2.5.I)

§5.1 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.1.3 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS TRANSITIONAL U SE TABLE
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
R-5
Light Industrial
Service All light industrial uses
(See §12.2.6.A)
Manufacturing
and Production All manufacturing and production uses
(See §12.2.4.B)
Heavy Industrial
(See §12.2.6.C)
Warehouse and
Freight Movement All warehouse and freight movement uses
(See §12.2.6.D)
Waste-related Recycling centers U U U U U U U U
Service
(See §12.2.6.E) All other waste-related service uses
Wholesale Trade
(See §12.2.6.F)
Agriculture
All agricultural uses P P P P P P P P §12.7.1
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource Extraction
All resource extraction uses
(See §12.2.7.B)
Telecommunications
Facilities All telecommunications facilities U U U U U U U U §12.4.9
(§12.2.7.C)
Unclassified
(See §12.2.7.D)
Residential (R) districts transitional use table

Transitional uses in residential (R) districts shall include the following uses, activities and
structures:
RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS TRANSITIONAL USE TABLE 58F
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
R-5
Specific Use Types Standards

U U
Duplexes, abutting other than C-1 or C-1-O districts
S S
U U
Semidetached, abutting other than C-1 or C-1-O districts
S S
P P P P
Offices or clinics, medical or dental, in existing one-family detached dwelling P P P P §12.8.3
S S S S
Transitional parking areas U U U U U U U U §12.8.5

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.1 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
§5.1.4 RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE
Residential (R) districts accessory use table

Accessory uses in residential (R) districts shall include the following uses, activities and
structures:
RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE 59F
R15-30T
R-10T
R-20
R-10
R2-7
Use
R-8
R-6
R-5
Use Types Standards
KEY: P = allowed by-right; U = requires use permit approval; S = requires site plan approval; Blank cell = not
permitted
Accessory dwellings P P P P P P P P §12.9.2
P P P P P P P P
Commercial vehicle parking §12.9.4
U U U U U U U U
Crematoriums U U U U U U U U §12.9.6
Family day care homes (10 to 12 children) U U U U U U U U §12.9.9
Family day care homes (up to nine children) P P P P P P P P §12.9.9
Family/caregiver suites P P P P P P P P §12.9.8
Guest house P P P P P P P P §12.9.10
Home occupations P P P P P P P P §12.9.11
Homestay, accessory P P P P P P P P §12.9.12
Mortuaries and funeral homes U U U U U U U U §12.9.14
Swimming pools, private P P P P P P P P §12.9.17
Telecommunications antennae, building and ground mounted U U U U U U U U
Recreational vehicle or trailer parking P P P P P P P P §12.9.16
Vehicle maintenance and minor repairs, routine P P P P P P P P §12.9.18
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or uninspected. P P P P P P P P §12.9.19

§5.2 R-20, ONE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.2.1 PURPOSE
§5.2. R-20, One-Family Dwelling District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. General
All development in the R-20 district shall comply with the following requirements, except
as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
Type of Standard All Uses

Lot, minimum (sq. ft.)
Lot area 20,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 20,000
Lot width, average minimum (feet) 65F 100
Height, maximum (feet) 35
B. Bulk, coverage and placement

C. Exceptions
The County Board may, on R district lots of 100 acres or more, by use permit approval in
accordance with§15.4, approve an increase in the height of one main building to 55 feet.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §3.1.10, when a use permit is approved with such a
height increase, the County Board may approve non-occupiable architectural features
such as cupolas, flagpoles and chimneys that are no more than 15 feet in height above the
height of the main building. Height increases allowed under this subsection may only be
approved where the main building is set back a minimum of 150 feet from all lot lines and
public rights-of-way.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the R-20 district include:
[Reserved]

A. Parking
Automobile parking spaces to be provided as required in §14.3.

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.3 R-10, ONE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
§5.3.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. General
All development in the R-10 district shall comply with the following standards, except as
otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
Type of Standard Dwellings Uses
Lot area 10,000 10,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 10,000 10,000
Lot width, minimum average (feet) 69F 80 80
B. Bulk coverage and placement

C. Exceptions
accordance with §15.4, approve an increase in the height of one main building to 55 feet.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §3.1.6.B, when a use permit is approved with such a

A. [Reserved]

The site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14 apply to all development.

§5.4 R-10T, ONE-FAMILY AND, TOWNHOUSE DWELLIN G DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.4.1 PURPOSE
§5.4. R-10T, One-Family and, Townhouse Dwelling District

Purpose
The purpose of the R-10T, One-Family, Townhouse Dwelling District is to provide for
development of one-family dwellings and, under certain conditions, the development of
townhouse projects. Such townhouse projects may include a variety of dwelling styles
including one-family and semidetached dwellings; however, the project shall maintain the
townhouse style character. Up to one-third of the permitted dwelling units may be
semidetached. In townhouse projects, existing one-family dwellings may be retained but new
construction of such dwellings is not permitted. Townhouse development may occur where
71F
development will be consistent with the adopted master plan or plans for the immediate area.
Such development is appropriate but not limited to situations where it provides a transition
between a one-family district and uses permitted in other district classifications, or for a reuse
of land. It is intended that any townhouse development permitted should result in well-
designed living units offering optimum residential environmental amenities, including
preservation of natural land form and foliage and the clustering of usable open space. Clusters
of dwelling units should be so arranged as to achieve an intimate internal relationship. Site
plans shall be prepared in such detail as to permit judgment of the quality of design.
Uses

A. By-right
All development in the R-10T district shall comply with the following standards, except as
Type of Standard One-family Dwelling All Other Uses

Lot area 10,000 10,000
Lot area per dwelling unit (sq. ft.) 10,000 10,000
All development allowed by special exception in the R-10T district shall comply with the
Townhouse, Semidetached and
Standard Existing One-family Dwellings
Project, minimum
Units (number) 12
Site (sq. ft.) 51,600
Setbacks, minimum
Front --
Side, interior --
Side, street 20
Rear 20
Site, minimum
Area (sq. ft.) 4,300-5,000
Width (feet), average 18

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.4 R-10T, ONE-FAMILY AND, TOWNHOUSE DWELLING DISTRICT
Townhouse, Semidetached and

Standard Existing One-family Dwellings
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.)
Lot area per dwelling unit As approved by Site Plan
Lot width per dwelling unit (feet) 18
Floor area, minimum, exclusive of utility,
attic, and garage area (sq. ft.)
Townhouse 1,500
Semidetached 1,500
Existing one-family --
C. Bulk coverage and placement

D. Exceptions

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the R10-T district include:
A. Townhouses, semidetached and existing one-family dwellings
Semidetached dwellings shall not compromise more than one-third of the total dwelling
units, as follows:
1. Lot area and width requirements
Every townhouse project shall have a minimum area per dwelling of 4,300 square
feet; provided, however, that the County Board may require up to a minimum of
5,000 square feet per dwelling to preserve unique site characteristics including natural
land form and foliage. Not less than 1,000 square feet of the minimum area per
dwelling unit shall be combined to form common open park space suitable for
recreational use located within the project. Public or private drives and parking areas
shall not be included in the calculation of common open park space. A site plan
showing either less lot area or common open park space, or both, shall not be
approved by the County Board.
2. Setback and yard requirements
(a) Where an off-street parking space is provided in front of a dwelling unit, the front
yard setback shall be no less than 25 feet from any street right-of-way line.
(b) Side yard setback for corner lots shall be a minimum of 20 feet.

§5.4 R-10T, ONE-FAMILY AND, TOWNHOUSE DWELLIN G DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.4.5 SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
(c) Every dwelling unit shall have a rear yard of not less than 20 feet which shall be
screened with landscaping, walls or fences so as to provide optimum privacy for the
occupants of that dwelling unit.
(d) Building setback variations shall be provided whenever possible to permit side
lighting to interior spaces.
3. Lot development and visibility requirements
(a) All dwelling units shall be functionally related to the natural topography.
(b) No townhouse or semidetached dwelling shall be constructed so as to provide
direct vehicular ingress or egress to any streets designated as controlled access
principal arterial, minor arterial, local principal as designated in the adopted
Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.
4. Landscape and site improvement plan
A preliminary landscape plan shall be included as part of the site plan submittal. A
detailed landscape plan and a complete site improvement plan shall be submitted and
approved by the county manager prior to the issuance of a building permit. In
approving the plans the county manager shall require the following:
(a) Conformance to the approved site plan.
(b) Plant materials which do not have a deleterious effect on other site improvements,
which do have a reasonable period of life and which do not produce an
unreasonable amount of debris in the form of branches and leaves.
(c) Plant materials shall be used in sufficient quantity to reasonably enhance the
appearance of the entire townhouse project.
(d) The impervious area of townhouse project shall not exceed 50 percent.
5. Internal streets
Internal streets, whether public or private, shall have a minimum right-of-way width
of 40 feet and a minimum pavement width of 30 feet.
6. Completion of construction
Upon the completion of construction, street improvements, parking, site
improvements and landscaping, the standard zoning regulations for the district
become effective, even though they conflict with provisions of the approved site plan,
landscaping plan and site improvement plan as to individual dwelling units, title to
which has been conveyed to individual owners who will be occupying or renting such
dwelling units to other persons; provided, however, all areas of the project intended
for common use shall remain bound by the approved site plan, site improvement plan
and landscaping plan.
7. Parking
Not less than two and one-half off-street parking spaces shall be provided for every
dwelling unit.


§5.5.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. General
Lot area 8,000 8,000
Lot area per dwelling unit (sq. ft.) 8,000 8,000

C. Exceptions

A. [Reserved]

The site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14 apply to all development.

§5.6 R-6, ONE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.6.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. By-right
Lot area 6,000 6,000
B. Special exception use permit

All development allowed by special exception use permit in the R-6 district shall comply
with the following standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board.
Two-family Dwellings on
Transitional Sites, other than
abutting C-1 or C-1-O districts
Type of Standard Semi-detached Duplex

Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 8,700 8,700
Lot area 4,350 8,700
Lot area per dwelling unit 4,350 --
Lot width, minimum average (feet) by use permit 97 35 70
Lot width, minimum average (feet) by site plan 28 56
Floor area per dwelling unit, minimum, exclusive
750 750
of basement or attic (sq. ft.)

D. Exceptions


A. [Reserved]

A. Parking
Automobile parking space shall be provided as required and regulated in §14.3, except
that in considering use permit applications under §15.4 the required parking for medical
offices may be reduced by the County Board up to a maximum of 10 percent.

§5.7 R-5, ONE-FAMILY AND RESTRICTED TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.7.1 PURPOSE
§5.7. R-5, One-Family and Restricted Two-Family Dwelling District

Purpose
The purpose of the R-5, One-family, Restricted Two-family District is to provide for one-family
dwellings on relatively small lots and to provide, under certain circumstances, for two-family
dwellings on lots of such size as follows the progression in residential density established in this
zoning ordinance giving consideration to architectural compatibility with one-family detached
dwellings in the existing neighborhood. An existing one-family dwelling shall not be converted
into a two-family dwelling (duplexes and semidetached dwellings). Two-family dwelling
(duplexes and semidetached dwellings) units should have as many of the one-family amenities
as possible.
Uses

A. By-right
All development allowed by-right in the R-5 district shall comply with the following
standards, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
Lot area 5,000 5,000
All development allowed by special exception in the R-5 district shall comply with the
Two-family Dwellings
abutting RA, C or M
District or located on a
principal or minor
arterial street
Semi- All Other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 8,700 8,700 --
Lot area 4,350 8,700 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 4,350 -- 5,000
Lot width, minimum average (feet) by
use permit97 35 70 50
Lot width, minimum average (feet) by
site plan 28 56 --
Height, maximum (feet) 35 35 35
Floor area per dwelling unit,
minimum, exclusive of basement or 750 750 --
attic (sq. ft.)

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.7 R-5, ONE-FAMILY AND RESTRICTED TWO-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT

D. Exceptions

A. Two-family (duplexes and Semidetached) abutting RA, C and M districts
Two-family dwellings (semidetached and duplex dwellings), on sites that share a lot line
with RA, C, or M Districts, shall be located no more than 100 feet from the shared lot line,
or on sites that are located on principal or minor arterial streets as designated in the
Arlington County Master Transportation Plan provided that the dwellings front on the
principal or minor arterial street, except on corner lots where no more than one unit may
front on the local street.
B. [Reserved]

A. Parking
There shall be two parking spaces per dwelling unit.

§5.8 R15-30T, TOWNHOUSE D WELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.8.1 PURPOSE
§5.8. R15-30T, Townhouse Dwelling District

Purpose
The intent of the R15-30T, Townhouse Dwelling District is to provide for low-rise one-family
townhouse development within Metro Transit Corridors as designated by the County Board.
The R15-30T district may also be appropriate in other areas of the county which are planned
for "low" residential (11-15 units per acre) and "low-medium" residential (16-36 units per acre)
use in the General Land Use Plan, and where townhouse development will provide an
appropriate transition between commercial uses or higher density residential uses and single-
family or two-family residential development. Uses shall be as permitted and regulated as in R-
5; however, density up to 15 units per acre, and density up to 30 units per acre may be
permitted by the County Board in accordance with the site plan provisions of this zoning
ordinance when consistent with the General Land Use Plan and approved plans for the area.
Preservation of existing dwellings in projects is encouraged as is architectural integration of
new projects into existing neighborhoods by relating the facade, height, and setbacks of the
new dwellings with the old. Determination as to the actual densities to be allowed will be
based on the characteristics of individual sites in their neighborhood and on the need for
community facilities, open and landscaped areas, circulation, and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right 8
All development allowed by-right in the R15-30T district shall comply with the following
Lot area 5,000 5,000

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.8 R15-30T, TOWNHOUSE D WELLING DISTRICT
All development allowed by special exception in the R15-30T district shall comply with the
abutting RA, C or M
districts or located on a
principal or minor
arterial street
Semi- Townhouse, Semi-
Semi- detached Townhouse detached and Existing One-
Standard detached Duplex Dwellings Dwellings family Dwellings
Units, minimum
Project (units) -- -- 2 3 --
Density, maximum
15 15 16-30
(units/acre)
Site, minimum
8,712 sq. ft., or 17,424 sq. ft. in
Area (sq. ft.) 8,700 8,700 5,808 8,712 projects where density is
requested above 15 units per acre
Width (feet) -- -- 50 75 As approved by Site Plan
Setbacks, minimum (feet)
Front 25
See §3.2 and See §3.2 and 7 (Townhouse, Semidetached
Side See §3.2 See §3.2
§5.8.4.A §5.8.4.A dwelling end units)
Side, street 15
Rear 25
Lot area 4,350 8,700 -- -- --
2,904 of which up to As approved by site plan but under
Lot area per dwelling unit 4,350 -- 2,904 1,300 sq. ft. may be no circumstances less than 1,452
in common area sq. ft. of site area per dwelling unit
Lot width per dwelling unit
(feet)
By use permit 35 70 -- -- --
25 As approved by Site Plan, see
By site plan 28 56 20
§5.8.4.A
Height, maximum (feet) 35 35 45 45 45

For bulk, coverage and placement regulations not listed in this section, See §3.2.
D. Exceptions
1. The County Board may, on R district lots of 100 acres or more, by use permit approval
in accordance with §15.4, approve an increase in the height of one main building to 55
feet. Notwithstanding the provisions of §3.1.6.B, when a use permit is approved with
such a height increase, the County Board may approve non-occupiable architectural
features such as cupolas, flagpoles and chimneys that are no more than 15 feet in
height above the height of the main building. Height increases allowed under this
subsection may only be approved where the main building is set back a minimum of
150 feet from all lot lines and public rights-of-way.

§5.8 R15-30T, TOWNHOUSE D WELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the R15-30T district include:
A. Townhouse and semidetached dwellings requiring site plan approval by the
County Board
1. Site plans may include a variety of dwelling styles including townhouse, semidetached,
one-family and stacked units. Existing one-family units may be retained. The
provisions of this subsection shall be in accordance with Article 15 and consistent with
the general land use plan. The County Board, at its discretion, may approve any of the
following special exceptions subject to the approval of a site plan as specified in §15.5:
variations in setback, yard, lot size, coverage and parking requirements to achieve a
design appropriate for the site and project.
2. To maintain neighborhood scale by matching new and existing setbacks, the front
yard setback for one-family and two-family dwellings may be reduced to that of the
average setback of the existing buildings on the same side of the subject block.

A. Parking
1. Semidetached dwellings: Two parking spaces per unit.
2. All other uses: Parking spaces shall be provided as required in §14.3.
B. Landscaping
A landscaping plan shall be submitted within two weeks after submitting the application
for approval of the site plan. At a minimum, plans shall include the following:
1. Shrubs
There shall be a minimum of five shrubs for each dwelling unit and a minimum of one
tree per dwelling unit
2. Street trees
(a) In addition to the requirement for shrubs of §5.8.5.B.1, above, major deciduous
trees shall be planted at the minimum rate of one for every 35 feet along any
property line abutting public right-of-way. The requirement is to be satisfied by
planting trees on-site within the front yard setback or within the public right-of-
way at a location to be designated by the zoning administrator and consistent with
otherwise existing ordinances.
(b) The above shall be planted according to the standards of §14.2, Landscaping.
Additional regulations
A. Prior to the approval of a plat of subdivision, where a common area is included, there shall
be submitted to the county attorney evidence satisfactory to him that by condominium or
a homeowner's association, there will be incorporated into each deed conveying a
townhouse, a covenant which provides the following:

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.8 R15-30T, TOWNHOUSE D WELLING DISTRICT
§5.8.6 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
1. That the common area of the townhouse project shall be maintained by the council of
co-owners, homeowner's association or other entity established in the covenant as
the entity responsible for such maintenance.
2. Each townhouse owner shall be responsible for a pro rata share of cost of such
maintenance and such share shall constitute a lien on the townhouse owner's
property.
3. In the event that the entity fails to maintain the common area in accordance with the
approved landscape plan in a reasonable condition and state of repair, the
determination of such failure to be made by the zoning administrator, Arlington
County may, at its option through its own agents or by independent contractor, enter
upon the common area for purposes of maintenance thereof, and assess each lot
owner a pro rata share of the costs thereof, together with an additional charge of 25
percent of said costs for management fee, said costs to constitute a lien upon each
and every lot in the project.
B. Projects are only permitted where an existing recorded subdivision or master deed shows
the lots (or condominium areas) on which the individual units are to be constructed prior
to the issuance of a building permit.
C. Heating, air conditioning units and other similar equipment should be screened and
mounted to minimize noise and visibility.

§5.9 R2-7, TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS
§5.9.1 PURPOSE
§5.9. R2-7, Two-Family and Townhouse Dwelling District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

All development in R2-7 district shall comply with the following requirements, except as
otherwise expressly allowed or stated:
A. By-right
All development in the R2-7 district shall comply with the following standards, except as
One-
family Semi- Townhouse All Other
Type of Standard Dwellings detached Duplex Dwellings Uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) -- 7,000 7,000 10,500 --
Lot area 5,000 3,500 7,000 3,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 5,000 3,500 3,500 3,500 5,000
Lot width, minimum average
(feet) 97F
Lot width 50 35 70 -- 50
Unit width, minimum -- -- -- 18 --
Floor area, minimum, exclusive
-- 750 750 -- --
of basements and attics (sq. ft.)
Development allowed by special exception in the R2-7 district shall comply with the
Two-family Dwellings on
Transitional sites other than
Two-family Dwellings abutting C-1 or C-1-O Districts
Semi- All Other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Semi-detached Duplex Uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 7,000 7,000 8,700 8,700 --
Lot area 3,500 7,000 4,350 8,700 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 3,500 3,500 4,350 4,350 5,000
(feet)
97F
Lot width 28 56 28 56 50
Lot width per dwelling unit 28 -- 28 --
Floor area, minimum, exclusive
750 750 750 750 --
of basements and attics (sq. ft.)

ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS §5.9 R2-7, TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE DWELLING DISTRICT

For bulk, coverage and placement regulations not listed in this section, §3.2.
D. Exceptions
1. Subdivision of a group of townhouse dwelling units
In the case of any subdivision of a group of townhouse dwelling units, the lot size for
each dwelling unit may be reduced to an area not less than 1,300 square feet;
provided, that the deed of dedication shall commit sufficient common land so that the
total site satisfies the area requirements of this zoning ordinance for each unit.
Moreover, the deed of dedication shall provide to each lot the right to use the land
required by this zoning ordinance for parking (where parking is not on the lot of the
dwelling unit), as well as the right to use land dedicated to other common uses, and
for easements for access to public streets and other common area.
2. The County Board may, on R district lots of 100 acres or more, by use permit approval
in accordance with §15.4, approve an increase in the height of one main building to 55
feet. Notwithstanding the provisions of §3.1.6.B, when a use permit is approved with
such a height increase, the County Board may approve non-occupiable architectural
features such as cupolas, flagpoles and chimneys that are no more than 15 feet in
height above the height of the main building. Height increases allowed under this
subsection may only be approved where the main building is set back a minimum of
150 feet from all lot lines and public rights-of-way.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the R2-7 district include:
A. Townhouses
1. General
(a) All townhouse projects shall comply with the following regulations:
(b) No grouping of units shall exceed 180 feet in length.
(c) No individual townhouse lot shall have direct vehicular access to a controlled
access highway, a primary arterial, a secondary arterial, a distributor or a collector
street.
(d) Heating, air conditioning units, utility meters and other similar equipment shall be
screened and mounted to minimize noise and visibility.
(e) Each townhouse dwelling shall have a rear yard of not less than 25 feet.
(f) Each townhouse dwelling, when subdivided to a common access easement, shall be
set back a minimum of 10 feet from the access easement.
2. Modification of use regulations for townhouse projects
On sites having a minimum size of one acre and extremely uneven topography, the
use regulations may be modified by site plan approval. Site plans are required to be
approved as specified in §15.5.

§5.9 R2-7, TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 5. RESIDENTIAL (R) DISTRICTS

A. Landscaping
At least 50 percent of the area within the required setback shall be landscaped.
B. [Reserved]

Article 6. Multiple-Family (RA) Districts
§6.1. Multiple-family (RA) Districts Use Tables
General
The use tables of this section list all uses allowed within RA districts, and is subject to the
Multiple-family (RA) districts principal use table

Table §6.1.2 lists the principal uses allowed within the RA districts.
A. Permitted uses
uses.
D. Uses not allowed
E. Use standards
F. Transitional uses
The regulations that apply to transitional uses are contained in §12.8.

§6.1 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS
§6.1.2 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
G. Accessory and temporary uses

§12.10.
H. Use categories
use categories.
Multiple-family (RA) Districts Use Table
RA14-26
RA8-18
RA7-16
RA6-15
Use
Category Specific Use Types Standards
One-family detached P P P
P P P
Duplexes
S S S
P P P
Semidetached
S S S
S
Multiple-family P P P
P
Household Living
(See §12.2.3.A) Townhouses, neither within the “Fort Myer Heights North Special
District” nor the “Housing Conservation District,” as designated on the P P S P
General Land Use Plan
Townhouses, within the “Fort Myer Heights North Special District,” as
S S §12.3.8
designated on the General Land Use Plan
Townhouses, within the “Housing Conservation District,” as designated
S S S §12.3.9
on the General Land Use Plan
Townhouses, semidetached and existing one-family S S S §12.3.4
Boarding houses and rooming houses U U §12.3.1
Group Living Dormitories U U U U §12.3.3
(See §12.2.3.B) Fraternity and sorority houses; U U U U §12.3.5
Group homes U U U U §12.3.6
Colleges
Colleges and universities U U U U
(See §12.2.4.A)
P
Community centers U U U
U
Community Service Community swimming pool U U U U §12.4.8
(See §12.2.4.B) Museums and art galleries or studios U U U U
Libraries U U P U
Recreation centers U U U U §12.4.6
Day Care Child care centers U U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.C) All other day care uses U U U U
Governmental Facilities
Fire and police stations P
(See §12.2.4.D)
Hospital
Hospitals U U U U §12.4.2
(See §12.2.4.E)
Cemeteries U U U U
Parks and Open Space Country clubs and golf courses U U U U
(See §12.2.4.F) Parks, playgrounds and playfields U U U U

ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS §6.1 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
§6.1.2 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
RA14-26
RA8-18
RA7-16
RA6-15
Use
Airports and aircraft landing fields U U U U
Passenger Terminals and Services
(See §12.2.4.G) §12.4.4
Bus, trolley, air, boat and rail passenger terminals U U U U
Religious Institutions
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples P P P P
(See §12.2.4.H)
Schools
Schools, elementary, middle and high U U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.I
Social Service Institutions
All social service institutions except those of a corrective nature U U U
(See §12.2.4.J)
Utilities, major
All major utilities U U U U §12.4.9
(See §12.2.4.K)
Utilities, minor Bus shelters; bike share stations U U U U
(See §12.2.4.K) All other minor utilities P P P P
Food Establishments
All Food Establishments
(See §12.2.5.B)
Entertainment
Membership clubs and lodges U U U U §12.5.13
(See §12.2.5.A)
Office Offices, federal, state or local U U U U
(See §12.2.5.C) Offices or clinics, medical or dental U U U U §12.5.16
Overnight Accommodations
Bed and breakfasts U U U U §12.5.3
(See §12.2.5.D)
Parking, Commercial
All commercial parking
(See §12.2.5.E)
Recreation, Indoor
(See §12.2.5.F.2(a))
Recreation, Outdoor
(See §12.2.5.F.2(b))
Open-air markets U U U U §12.5.17
Retail, Sales (See §12.2.5.G.2(a))
All other retail sales uses
Retail, Personal Service (See Mortuaries and funeral homes S S S §12.5.14
§12.2.5.G.2(b)) All other retail personal service uses
Retail, Repair (See §12.2.5.G.2(c)) All retail repair uses
Self-service Storage
All self-service storage uses §12.5.25
(See §12.2.5.H)
Vehicle Sales and Service
All vehicle sales and service uses
(See §12.2.5.I)
Light Industrial Service
(See §12.2.6.A)
Manufacturing
and Production All manufacturing and production uses
(See §12.2.4.B)
Heavy
Industrial All heavy industrial uses
(See §12.2.6.C)
Warehouse and Freight Movement
All warehouse and freight movement uses
(See §12.2.6.D)

§6.1 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS
§6.1.3 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT (RA) DISTRICTS TRANSITIONAL USE TABLE
RA14-26
RA8-18
RA7-16
RA6-15
Use
Waste-related Service
Recycling centers U U U U
(See §12.2.6.E)
Wholesale Trade
(See §12.2.6.F)
Agriculture
All agricultural uses P P P §12.7.1
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource Extraction
(See §12.2.7.B)
Telecommunications Facilities
All telecommunications facilities U U U U §12.4.9
(§12.2.7.C)
Residential apartment (RA) districts transitional use table

Transitional uses in residential apartment (RA) districts shall include the following uses,
activities and structures:
RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT (RA) TRANSITIONAL USE TABLE 1
RA14-26
RA8-18
RA7-16
RA6-15
Use
Duplexes, abutting other than C-1 or C-1-O districts U U U U
Semidetached, abutting other than C-1 or C-1-O districts U U U U
U U U
Offices or clinics, medical or dental §12.8.3
S S S
Offices or clinics, medical or dental on sites that abut C-2, CM or M districts S S S §12.8.4
Transitional parking area U U U U §12.8.5

ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS §6.1 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
§6.1.4 MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE
Multiple-family (RA) districts accessory use table

Accessory uses in residential apartment (RA) districts shall include the following uses, activities
and structures:
MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE 13F
RA14-26
RA8-18
RA7-16
RA6-15
Use
Use Types Standards
P P P P
Commercial vehicle parking §12.9.4
U U U U
Convenience service areas U U U U §12.9.5
Crematoriums U U U U §12.9.6
Family day care homes (10 t0 12 children) U U U U §12.9.9
Family day care homes (up to nine children) P P P P §12.9.9
Home occupations P P P P §12.9.11
Homestay, accessory P P P P §12.9.12
Mortuaries and funeral homes U U U U §12.9.14
Swimming pools, private P P P P §12.9.17
Recreational vehicle or trailer parking P P P P §12.9.16
Telecommunications antennae, building and ground mounted U U U U
Vehicle maintenance and minor repairs, routine P P P §12.9.18
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or uninspected P P P §12.9.19

§6.2 RA14-26, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS
§6.2.1 PURPOSE
§6.2. RA14-26, Multiple-family Dwelling District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. By-right
All development allowed by-right in the RA14-26 district shall comply with the following
One-
family Semi- Multiple- Townhouse All other
Type of Standard Dwelling detached Duplex family Dwellings uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 6,000 7,000 7,000 7,500 7,500 --
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 1,800 1,800 5,000
Lot width, minimum average (feet)
Lot width 60 35 70 75 75 50
Lot width per dwelling unit 60 35 -- -- -- --
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35
Maximum (stories) -- 3½ 3½ 3½ 3½ --
minimum, exclusive of basement or -- 750 750 -- -- --
attic (sq. ft.)


ARTICLE 6. MULTIPLE-FAMILY (RA) DISTRICTS §6.2 RA14-26, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
C. Special exception
All development allowed by special exception in the RA14-26 district shall comply with the
Two-family Dwellings Townhouse,

Semi-
Low or detached,
Moderate and Existing
Semi- Income One-family All other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Housing Dwellings uses
Lot area 3,500 7,000 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 3,500 3,500 5,000
(feet)
See §12.3.7
Lot width 28 56 See §12.3.4 50
Lot width per dwelling unit 28 -- --
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35
Maximum (stories) 3½ 3½ --
minimum, exclusive of basement 750 750 --
or attic (sq. ft.)
D. Exceptions
1. Large-scale housing projects
Large-scale housing projects having a site area of five acres or more, dwellings may be
erected to a height not to exceed either six stories or 60 feet, provided said dwellings
are located not nearer than 150 feet to any boundary line of the site on which the
project is situated.
2. Nonconforming lots
Where a lot has less width and less area than required in this subsection and was
recorded under one ownership at the time of the adoption of this zoning ordinance,
such lot, if it has an area of 7,000 sq. ft. or more, may be occupied by a two-family
dwelling (duplexes and semidetached dwellings) with a minimum average width of
70/35 ft. and minimum site area of 7000/3500 sq. ft. by-right for
duplex/semidetached, respectively; and 56/28 feet and 7000/3500 sq. ft. by site plan
for duplex/semidetached, respectively; and minimum GFA per dwelling unit of 750 sq.
ft. If such lot has an area of less than 7,000 sq. ft., it may be occupied by a one-family
dwelling.
3. Lot size for townhouse groups
In the case of any subdivision of a group of townhouse dwellings, the lot size for each
dwelling unit may be reduced to an area not less than 750 sq. ft., provided, that the
deed of dedication shall commit sufficient common land so that the total site satisfies
the area requirements of this zoning ordinance for each unit. Moreover, the deed of
dedication shall provide to each lot the right to use the land required by this zoning
ordinance for parking (where parking is not on the lot of the dwelling unit), as well as
the right to use land dedicated to other common uses, and for easements for access
to public streets and other common areas.


Use standards applicable to specific uses in the RA14-26 district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking

§6.3.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses
Fort Myer Heights North Special District

Properties in the area designated as the Fort Myer Heights North Special District on the
General Land Use Plan may be developed in accordance with the requirements of §9.3.

A. By-right
Two-family Dwelling
One- Semi- All
family detached Multiple- Townhouse other
Type of Standard Dwelling 125F Dwellings Duplex family Dwellings uses
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 1,200 1,200 5,000
Lot width 60 35 70 75 75 50
Height, maximum
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 40 40 35
Maximum (stories) 3 3½ 3½ 4 4 --
exclusive of basement or attic, -- 750 750 -- -- --
minimum (sq. ft.)



Semi-
Low or detached,
Lot area 3,500 7,000 5,000
Lot width 28 56 See §12.3.7 See §12.3.4 50
Height
or attic (sq. ft.)
D. Exceptions
1. Height
(a) General
By site plan approval dwellings may be increased to a height not to exceed either
eight stories or 75 feet.
(b) Revitalization Area of the “Fort Myer Heights North Special District”
In the “Revitalization Area” of the “Fort Myer Heights North Special District”
designated on the General Land Use Plan, building heights shall under no
circumstances exceed 12 stories or 125 feet, exclusive of mechanical penthouses,
if developed by site plan in a manner consistent with the design guidelines,
heights plan and purposes of the Fort Myer Heights North Plan.
(c) Large-scale housing projects
By site plan approval as specified for the RA4.8 district , the height limit in large-
126F
scale housing projects having a site area of 20 acres or more may be increased to
a height not to exceed either 10 stories or 95 feet subject to the following:
(1) The coverage shall not exceed 25 percent;
(2) Where a district abuts any residential district, no automobile parking shall
be permitted between the building setback line and any property line;
(3) Where a district abuts an RA district, no parking shall be permitted nearer
than 50 feet from the property lines.


A. [Reserved]


§6.4.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. By-right
Multiple- All other

Type of Standard family uses
Lot area 7,500 100,000
75 200
(feet)
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 95
Maximum (stories) 3½ 10
Lot coverage (percent) -- 50

Low or
Moderate
Multiple- Income All other
Type of Standard family Housing uses
Lot area 100,000 100,000
Lot width, minimum average (feet) 200 200
See §12.3.7
Height
Maximum (stories) 10 10
Lot coverage (percent) 50 50

D. Exceptions
1. Nonconforming lots
Nonconforming lots may be occupied by any use permitted in this district where a lot
or plot has less width and less area limited by:
(a) Bounding streets; or
(b) Abutting streets and a zoning district boundary of an abutting less restricted
district.
2. Lot coverage
Within the site boundaries of any lot or parcel, the total amount of site covered by
buildings, parking and maneuvering space, driveways, sidewalks, roads and any other
accessory uses shall not exceed 50 percent.

A. [Reserved]

A. Parking and loading requirements
Parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of §14.3.
B. [Reserved]

§6.5.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses
Radnor Heights East Special District

Properties in the area designated as the Radnor Heights East Special District on the General
Land Use Plan may be developed in accordance with the requirements of §9.4.
Fort Myer Heights North Special District

Properties in the area designated as the Fort Myer Heights North Special District on the
General Land Use Plan may be developed in accordance with the requirements of §9.3.

A. By-right 13
One- Semi- All
family detached Multiple- Townhouse other
Type of Standard Dwellings Dwellings Duplex family Dwellings uses
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 900 900 5,000
(feet)
Lot width 60 35 70 75 75 50
Lot width per dwelling unit 60 35 --
Height, maximum
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 60 60 35
Maximum (stories) -- 3½ 3½ 6 6 --
exclusive of basement or attic, -- 750 750 -- -- --
minimum (sq. ft.)



Semi-
Low or detached,
Lot area 3,500 7,000 5,000
(feet)
See §12.3.7 See §12.3.4
Lot width 28 56 50
Height
or attic (sq. ft.)
D. Exceptions
1. Height
(a) “Revitalization Area” of the Fort Myer Heights North Special District
In the “Revitalization Area” of the Fort Myer Heights North Special District
designated on the General Land Use Plan, building heights shall under no
circumstances exceed 12 stories or 125 feet, exclusive of mechanical penthouses,
if developed by site plan in a manner consistent with the design guidelines,
heights plan and purposes of the Fort Myer Heights North Plan.
(b) Radnor Heights East Special District
In areas designated as Radnor Heights East Special District on the General Land
Use Plan, the following restrictions shall apply:
(1) Chimneys, flagpoles and other similar items with a width, depth, or
diameter of three feet or less may extend above the height limit, as long as
they extend no more than five feet above the highest point of the main
building roof.
(2) Rooftop structures for the housing of elevator mechanical equipment on
townhouse dwellings may extend no more than 10 feet over the 60-foot
height limit. Rooftop structures for the housing of elevator mechanical
equipment on multiple-family dwellings may extend no more than 16 feet
above the highest point of the main building roof.
(3) Mechanical penthouses shall not extend more than 10 feet above the
highest point of the main building roof. Parapet walls, skylights or similar
structural features, exclusive of fire walls, shall not extend more than five
feet above the highest point of the main building roof.

(4) Mechanical penthouses or roof structures shall cover no more than five
percent of the roof area on multiple-family dwellings and shall cover no
more than 15 percent of the roof area on townhouse dwellings. No rooftop
mechanical equipment or mechanical penthouse shall be located within five
feet of any roof edge that runs along a street.
(5) No mechanical penthouse or roof structure or any space above the height
limit shall include additional floor space.
(c) Modification of height limit in the RA6-15 district
By site plan approval as specified for the RA4.8 district , dwellings may be
136F
increased to a height not to exceed either 12 stories or 125 feet, except in areas
designated as Radnor Heights East Special District on the General Land Use Plan,
where heights of buildings, exclusive of mechanical penthouses, shall be limited
to 60 feet as referenced in §6.5.6.B.1(b), above.

A. Multiple-family
By site plan approval, as specified in §15.5, the County Board may permit the inclusion of
multiple-family units in site plans on abutting properties or on properties which would
abut except for the existence of a public street.
B. [Reserved]


Article 7. Commercial/ Mixed Use (C) Districts
§7.1. Commercial/Mixed Use (C) Districts Use Tables
General
The use tables of this section list all uses allowed within C districts, and is subject to the
Commercial/mixed use (C) districts principal use table

Table §7.1.2 lists the principal uses allowed within the C districts.
A. Permitted uses
uses.
D. Site plan and use permit approval required
A “C” indicates a special exception use that may be allowed subject to approval of a use
permit as provided in §15.4, only in buildings controlled by site plan. Uses allowed by use
permit are subject to all other applicable requirements of this zoning ordinance, including
the specific use standards in Article 12 and the site development standards of Article 13
and Article 14.
E. Uses not allowed
A blank cell (one without a “P”, “U”, “S” or “C”) in the use table indicates that a use is not

§7.1 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.1.2 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS PRINC IPAL USE TABLE
F. Use standards
G. Accessory and temporary uses
§12.10.
H. Use categories
use categories.
COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
MU-VS
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
RA-H
C-TH
C-O
R-C
C-R
C-1
C-2
C-3
KEY: C = requires use permit and site plan approval; P = allowed by-right; U = requires use permit approval; S = requires site plan approval; Blank cell = not permitted
One-family detached P P
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
P PP
Duplexes P
S SS
P PP
Semidetached P
Household S SS
Living P P P P
(See §12.2.3.A) Multiple-family S S S S S S S S S P
S S S S
P
P P
Townhouses S
Townhouse, semidetached and
S S S §12.3.4
existing one-family
Dormitories U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.3.3
Group Fraternity and sorority houses U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.3.5
Living
(See §12.2.3.B) Group homes U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.3.6
Nursing homes S S S
Colleges Colleges and universities U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.A) Trade or commercial school S S S S S S P S S P P P S
U
Community centers U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
P
Community swimming pool U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.4.8
Community Service P
Libraries U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.B) U
Museums and art galleries or P
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
studios U
Recreation centers U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.4.6
Day Care Child care centers U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.4.1

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.1 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS USE TABLES
C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
MU-VS
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
RA-H
C-TH
C-O
R-C
C-R
C-1
C-2
C-3
(See §12.2.4.C) All other day care uses U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Governmental
Facilities Fire and police stations U U P U U P U U U U U P U U P P P U
(See §12.2.4.D)
Hospital S S
Hospitals U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.E) U U
Parks and Cemeteries U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Open Space Country clubs and golf courses U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.F) Parks, playgrounds and playfields U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Passenger Airports and aircraft landing fields U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Terminals and
Services Bus, trolley, air, boat and rail §12.4.4
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.G) passenger terminals
Religious
Churches, mosques, synagogues,
Institutions P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
and temples
(See §12.2.4.H)
Schools Schools, elementary, middle and
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.I) high
Social Service
All social service institutions
Institutions U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
except those of a corrective nature
(See §12.2.4.J)
Utilities, major U U U
All major utilities U U U U U U P U U U U U
U U P U §12.4.9
(See §12.2.4.K) P P P
Utilities, minor Bus shelters; bike share stations U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
(See §12.2.4.K) All other minor utilities P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Catering establishment, small
S S S P S S S S P S S P P P S
Food scale
Establishments Food delivery services C C C U U C C C C U C C U C U U
(See §12.2.5.B) Restaurants, general S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.22
Restaurants, limited S S S P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.23
Game arcades C C C U U C C C C U C C U U U
Movie or other theaters S S S P S S S S P S S P P P P

Entertainment
(See §12.2.5.A) Membership clubs and lodges U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.5.13
All other indoor entertainment uses S S S P S S S S P S S P P P S
Audio-visual production studio C C U C C C C U C C U C U C

College operated as a commercial
S S P S S S S P S S P P P S
enterprise
Office
Financial services S S P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
(See §12.2.5.C)
Offices, federal, state and local U S U U U P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
U U
Offices or clinics, medical or dental U U P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.5.16
S S

C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
MU-VS
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
RA-H
C-TH
C-O
R-C
C-R
C-1
C-2
C-3
Offices, business and professional S P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Overnight Bed and breakfasts U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.5.3
Accommodations P P
(See §12.2.5.D) Hotels or motels S S S S S S S S P P P P §12.5.11
S S
Parking,
U U U U
Commercial All commercial parking U P U §12.5.4
P P P P
(See §12.2.5.E)
Billiard or pool halls U U
Bowling alley C C C C C C C U C C U U U C
Driving ranges U
Recreation, Indoor
Miniature golf courses U
(See §12.2.5.F.2(a))
Skating rink 14F C C C U C C C C U C C U C U C
Swimming pool S S S P S S S S P S S P P P P
Tennis, racquet or handball courts C C C U U C C C C U C C U U U U
Driving ranges U
Miniature golf courses C C C C C C C U C C U U U U
Recreation, Outdoor Skating rinks C C C U C C C C U C C U C U C
(See §12.2.5.F.2(b) Tennis, racquet or handball courts 142F C C C U U C C C C U C C U C U U
Swimming pool C C C C C C C U C C U C U C
All other outdoor entertainment C C C U U C C C C U C C U U U U
Bakeries S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.21
Drug stores S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.5
Florist or gift shops S S S P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.8
Grocery stores, convenience S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.9
Grocery stores S S S P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.10
Kiosks U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.5.12
Meat or fish markets, and
Retail, Sales S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.21
delicatessens
(See §12.2.5.G.2(a))
Large-format retail U U U U U U
Newsstands S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.21
Nursery, flower or plant stores S S S P S S S S P S S P P P S §12.5.15
Open-air markets U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.5.17
Secondhand stores S S S P P S S S S S P S S P U P P §12.5.24
All other retail sales uses S S S P S S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.21
Animal care facilities, veterinary
S S S P S S S S P S S P P P U §12.5.2
clinics, animal hospitals
Athletic or health clubs S S S U U S S S S P S S P U P U §12.5.20
Retail, Personal Barbershop or beauty parlor S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P
Service
(See §12.2.5.G.2(b)) Branch banks S S S P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Dance studio S S S U U S S S S P S S P U P U §12.5.20
Dry-cleaning, laundry and
S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.6
laundromat

C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
MU-VS
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
RA-H
C-TH
C-O
R-C
C-R
C-1
C-2
C-3
Photocopy, blueprint and quick-
S S S P P S S S S P S S P P P P
sign services
Private postal services S S S P P S S S S P S S P P P P §12.5.18
Mortuaries and funeral homes S S S S C C C C U C C U U U §12.5.14
Pawnshop S S S S S S S S P S S P P P S
All other retail personal service
S S S P S S S S S P S S P P P S §12.5.20
uses
Tailors and milliners S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P
Shoe repair S S S P P P S S S S P S S P P P P
Retail, Repair
(See§12.2.5.G.2(c)) Upholstery shops S S S S S S S P S S P P P S §12.5.26
P: P
All other retail repair uses S S S P P S S S S S S P P P
S S
Self-service
Storage All self-service storage uses U §12.5.25
(See §12.2.5.H)
Car wash U U
Vehicle body shop U U §12.5.27
Vehicle Sales Vehicle sales, rental, or leasing U U
C C C U C C C C C U C C U C §12.5.29
and Service facilities P P
(See §12.2.5.I) Vehicle service establishment U C C C C U C C U U U §12.5.28
All other vehicle sales and service
uses
Building, heating, plumbing or
P
electrical contractors
Light Industrial Carpet and rug cleaning U U U U §12.6.2
Service Medical or dental laboratories P S S S S P S S P P P P
(See §12.2.6.A) Printing, publishing and
P P P P
lithographing, small scale
Sign making P P P P §12.6.9
Manufacturing Plumbing or sheet metal shops P P §12.6.6
and Production All other manufacturing and
(See §12.2.4.B) production uses
Heavy Industrial
(See §12.2.6.C)
Warehouse and
All warehouse and freight
Freight Movement
movement uses
(See §12.2.6.D)
Waste-related Solid waste transfer U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Service
(See §12.2.6.E) Recycling centers U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Wholesale Trade Wholesale merchandising broker,
P
(See §12.2.6.F) excluding wholesale storage

C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
MU-VS
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
RA-H
C-TH
C-O
R-C
C-R
C-1
C-2
C-3
Agriculture
All agricultural uses P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.7.1
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource Extraction
(See §12.2.7.B)
Tele-
communications
All telecommunications facilities U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Facilities
(§12.2.7.C)
Unclassified
(See §12.2.7.D)

§7.1.3 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE
Commercial/mixed use (C) districts accessory use table

Accessory uses in commercial/mixed use (C) districts shall include the following uses, activities
and structures:
COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE 152F
C-O CRYSTAL CITY

C-O ROSSLYN
RA-H-3.2
MU-VS *
C-O-1.0
C-O-1.5
C-O-2.5
C-TH *
RA4.8
C-O-A
C-1-O
C-1-R
Use
C-R *
RA-H
C-2 *
C-3 *
C-O
R-C
C-1
Use Types Standards
U U U
Crematoriums U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.9.6
S S S
U
Convenience service areas U U §12.9.5
S
Drive-through windows U U U U
Family day care homes (10 to 12 children) U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.9.9
Family day care homes (up to nine children) P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.9
Garage, private parking garage for exclusive use of occupants P
Home occupations P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.11
Homestay, accessory P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.12
Live entertainment and/or dancing U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.9.13
Mortuaries and funeral homes U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.9.14
Outdoor café associated with a restaurant on private property P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.15
Outdoor café associated with a restaurant on public right-of-
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U §12.9.15
way or easement for public use
Swimming pools, private P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.17
Recreational vehicle or trailer parking P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.16
Telecommunications antennae, building and ground mounted U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
Vehicle maintenance, routine P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.18
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or inspected P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P §12.9.19

§7.2 RA4.8, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.2.1 PURPOSE
§7.2. RA4.8, Multiple-Family Dwelling District

Purpose
The purpose of the RA4.8, Multiple-family District is to provide for multiple-family dwelling
development at moderate densities and, under appropriate conditions, high-rise multiple-
family dwelling redevelopment. To be eligible for this district, a site shall be designated "high-
medium" residential or other comparable designation on the General Land Use Plan.
Determination as to the actual types and densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the
characteristics of individual sites in their neighborhood and on the need for community
facilities, open and landscaped areas, circulation and utilities.
Uses
Uses shall be as specified in §7.1. Density and dimensional standards

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the RA4.8 district shall comply with the following
Multiple-
One-family Semi- family All other
Type of Standard Dwelling detached Duplex Dwellings Townhouse uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 6,000 7,000 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 1,800 1,800 --
(feet)
Lot width 60 70 70 75 75 150
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35
Maximum (number of stories) -- 3½ 3½ 3½ 3½ --
Floor area ratio -- -- -- -- -- --
Floor area, minimum (sq. ft.)
-- 750 750 -- -- --
exclusive of basement or attic
1. Exception
(a) Large-scale housing projects
Large-scale housing projects having a site area of five acres or more, dwellings
may be erected to a height not to exceed either six stories or 60 feet, provided
said dwellings are located not nearer than 150 feet to any boundary line of the
site on which the project is situated.
(b) Reserved
Development allowed by special exception in the RA4.8 district shall comply with the
following standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.2 RA4.8, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT

Semi-
Low or detached, and All Retail and
Moderate Existing One- Multiple- Food All
Semi- Income family family Establishment other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Housing Dwellings uses uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 7,000 7,000 30,000 5,000
Lot area 3,500 7,000 30,000 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 3,500 3,500 -- --
(feet)
Lot width 56 56 See §12.3.7 See §12.3.4 150 150
Lot width per dwelling unit 28 -- -- --
Height
136 (including
mechanical
penthouse and
parapet walls)
Maximum (number of stories) 3½ 3½ -- --
3.24 0.5
(including all (street level only)
Floor area ratio -- -- --
commercial
uses )
750 750 -- --

D. Exceptions
1. Minimum lot area and width
The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the RA-4.8 district where
a lot or plot having less width or less area which is any part of a block surrounded by
streets and/or buildings that generally comply with the provisions of this section.
2. Density
(a) Maximum floor area, including any commercial uses permitted on a given site, shall
be determined by multiplying the site area by 3.24. Any mechanical penthouse
area in excess of that used for elevator, mechanical or maintenance equipment
shall be counted as gross floor area.
(b) Where a development project is within the Western Rosslyn Coordinated
Redevelopment District and designated High-Medium Residential on the General
Land Use Plan, the County Board may, in accordance with §15.5.5, permit
additional height and density above that provided in §7.2.3.B, up to 6.0 F.A.R,
provided, however, under no circumstances shall application of this provision for
additional density be applied to permit a height greater than 12 stories. In
approving such site plan, the County Board shall find that:
(1) The development project is consistent with the Guiding Principles and other
policy guidance of the Western Rosslyn Area Plan;

§7.2 RA4.8, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
(2) One hundred percent of the dwelling units in the development project are
affordable to persons of low or moderate income, unless the County Board
determines that a different percentage should be approved, consistent with
the Affordable Housing Master Plan, in order to achieve other goals of the
Western Rosslyn Area Plan; and
(3) The development project provides public open space.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the RA4.8 district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking
As specified and regulated in §14.3, except that the following may be approved by site
plan:
1. Multiple-family dwelling: One off-street space per dwelling unit.
2. The parking provided under the provisions of subsection 1, above, shall be located
below grade or within the structure housing the use to which the parking is
appurtenant, except as may be allowed in an approved site plan.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.3 R-C, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
§7.3.1 PURPOSE
§7.3. R-C, Multiple-family Dwelling and Commercial District

Purpose
A. The purpose of the R-C, Multiple-family Dwelling and Commercial District is to encourage
high-medium density residential development while also providing for a mixed-use
transitional area between higher density development and lower density residential uses.
This district is designed for use in Metro station areas as identified on the General Land
Use Plan (GLUP), and primarily for sites any part of which is located:
1. Within a 1/4 mile radius of a Metrorail station entrance and
2. That are designated "high-medium residential mixed-use" on the GLUP.
B. This district may also be considered for other locations in Metro station areas up a ½ mile
radius of a Metrorail station entrance that are designated “high-medium residential
mixed-use” or expressly identified as eligible for rezoning to this district or re-planning to
“high-medium residential mixed-use” in adopted County plans.
C. Determination as to the actual types and densities of uses to be allowed will be based on
the characteristics of individual sites and on the need for community facilities, open space
and landscaped areas, circulation and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the R-C district shall comply with the following
One-family Semi- Multiple- All other
Type of Standard Dwelling detached Duplex family Townhouse uses
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 1,800 1,800 --
(feet)
Lot width 60 70 70 75 75 50
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35
Maximum (number of stories) -- 3½ 3½ 3½ 3½ --
-- 750 750 -- -- --
1. Exception
(a) Large-scale housing projects
Large-scale housing projects having a site area of five acres or more, dwellings

§7.3 R-C, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.3.4 SITE PLANS
may be erected to a height not to exceed either six stories or 60 feet, provided
said dwellings are located not nearer than 150 feet to any boundary line of the
site on which the project is situated.
Development allowed by special exception in the R-C district shall comply with the
Two-family All Retail and
Dwellings Low or Townhouse, Food
Moderate Semi-detached, Establishment All
Semi- Income and Existing One- Multiple- uses other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Housing family Dwellings family uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 7,000 7,000 20,000 5,000
Lot area 3,500 7,000 20,000 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 3,500 3,500 -- --
Lot width, minimum
average (feet)
See §12.3.7 See §12.3.4
Lot width 56 56 -- 50
Lot width per dwelling unit 28 -- -- --
Height
65, including
Maximum (feet) 35 35 the mechanical 35
penthouse
Maximum (number of stories) 3½ 3½ -- --
Floor area, minimum (sq. 0.62 per square
ft.) foot of multiple-
family (first floor
only)
750 750 -- --
3.24
Floor area ratio -- -- --
(including retail)

D. Exceptions
1. [Reserved]
Site plans
The County Board may approve site plans, as provided in §15.5, subject to the following:
A. General
1. The following uses may be approved at the rate of 0.62 square feet of gross floor area
for each gross square foot of multiple-family use proposed, provided that the total
F.A.R. of the project does not exceed 3.24:
(a) Retail and service commercial uses which shall be restricted to the first floor of any
structure.
(b) Offices, business and professional.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.3 R-C, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
2. Such uses may be approved at the rate not to exceed one square foot of gross floor
area for each square foot of gross floor area of multiple-family use and the total F.A.R.
of the project may be permitted in an amount not to exceed 3.5 on sites which:
(a) Have a minimum area of 50,000 square feet;
(b) Have a minimum of 200 feet of continuous frontage on a principal arterial, minor
arterial or local principal street as designated on the Arlington County Master
Transportation Plan; and
(c) Are across a principal arterial, minor arterial or local principal street from a C-O-A
district.
3. On sites which meet the criteria in §7.3.4.A.2, above, and which also include an entire
block, such uses may be approved at the rate not to exceed 1½ square feet of gross
floor area for each square foot of gross floor area of multiple-family use in the
approved site plan and the total floor area ratio of the project may be permitted in
the amount not to exceed 3:5.
B. Arterial or local principal street frontage requirement
Any structure in which less than 50 percent of the gross floor area is multiple-family use
shall front on a principal arterial, minor arterial or local principal street as designated in
the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.
C. Height limit
Under no circumstances shall the height of any building exceed 95 feet nor shall a
mechanical penthouse extend more than 16 feet above the 95 foot height limit, except
that in order to allow enclosure of elevator equipment needed to provide elevator access
to roof areas, the mechanical penthouse height may be increased by up to eight additional
feet. This additional height may only be used to allow the amount of structure necessary
to enclose the elevator equipment.
D. Landscaping
A minimum of 10 percent of the total site area is required to be landscaped open space in
accordance with the requirements of §14.2 , Landscaping.
E. Automobile parking and loading space
1. One parking space for each 580 square feet of commercial or office space.

otherwise specified.

§7.4 RA-H, HOTEL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.4.1 PURPOSE
§7.4. RA-H, Hotel District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the RA-H district shall comply with the following
Multiple- All other

Type of Standard family uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 7,500 100,000
Lot area 7,500 100,000
Lot width 75 200
Lot width per dwelling unit -- --
Height
Maximum (stories) 3½ 10
Floor area per dwelling unit -- --
Lot coverage, Maximum (percent) -- 50
Development allowed by special exception in the RA-H district shall comply with the
Low or
Moderate Multiple-
Income family and
Type of Standard Housing Hotels
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 100,000
Lot area 100,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 600
Lot area per guest room 600
Lot width, minimum average (feet) See §12.3.7
Lot width 200
Lot width per dwelling unit --
Height
Maximum (feet) 125
Maximum (stories) 12
Floor area per dwelling unit or sleeping room --
Lot coverage, maximum (percent) 50

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.4 RA-H, HOTEL DISTRICT
1. Lot coverage
Underground structures may cover the entire lot, provided that, within the site
boundaries of any lot or parcel, the total amount of the surface of the site, after
development, covered by buildings, parking, driveways, roads and any accessory
building, shall not exceed 50 percent.
2. [Reserved]

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the RA-H district include:
A. [RESERVED]

A. Parking
B. [Reserved]

§7.5 RA-H-3.2, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND H OTEL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.5.1 PURPOSE
§7.5. RA-H-3.2, Multiple-Family Dwelling and Hotel District

Purpose
The purpose of the RA-H-3.2, Multiple-family Dwelling and Hotel District is to provide for
multiple-family dwelling development at moderate densities and, under appropriate
conditions, high-rise hotel and/or multiple-family dwelling redevelopment within "Metro
Transit Corridors" as determined by the County Board. Mixtures of use and densities shall be
consistent with the General Land Use Plan or approved plans for the area. Determinations as
to the actual types and densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the characteristics of
individual sites in their neighborhood and on the need for community facilities, open and
landscaped areas, circulation and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the RA-H-3.2 district shall comply with the following
Two-family Dwellings Multiple-
One-family Semi- family Townhouse All other
Type of Standard Dwelling detached Duplex Dwellings Dwellings uses
Lot area 6,000 3,500 7,000 7,500 7,500 5,000
Lot area per unit 6,000 3,500 3,500 1,800 1,800 --
(feet)
Lot width 60 70 70 75 75 50
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35
Maximum (number of stories) -- 3½ 3½ -- 3½ --
Floor area per dwelling unit, exclusive
-- 750 750 -- -- --
of basement or attic

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.5 RA-H-3.2, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND H OTEL DISTRICT
Development allowed by special exception in the RA-H-3.2 district shall comply with the
Townhouse,
Two-family Semi-
Dwellings Low or detached, Retail and
Moderate and Existing Multiple- Eating All
Semi- Income One-family family Establish- other
Type of Standard detached Duplex Housing Dwellings Dwellings Hotels ment uses uses
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 7,000 7,000 30,000 30,000 5,000
Lot area 3,500 7,000 30,000 30,000 5,000
Lot area per dwelling unit 3,500 3,500 -- -- --
Lot width 56 56 See §12.3.7 See §12.3.4 150 150 150
Lot width per dwelling unit 28 -- -- -- --
Height
180
180 including including
mechanical mechanical
Maximum (feet) 35 35 penthouse penthouse 35
and parapet and
walls parapet
walls
Maximum (number of stories) 3½ 3½ -- -- --
Floor area ratio 4.8 3.8 0.5
-- -- (including (including (street level --
retail) retail) only)
Floor area per dwelling unit, exclusive of
750 750 -- -- --
basement or attic

D. Exceptions
1. Large-scale housing projects
Large-scale housing projects having a site area of five acres or more, dwellings may be
erected to a height not to exceed either six stories or 60 feet, provided said dwellings
are located not nearer than 150 feet to any boundary line of the site on which the
project is situated.
2. Lot area and width
The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the RA-H-3.2 district
where a lot or plot having less width or less area which is any part of a block
surrounded by streets and/or buildings that generally comply with the provisions of
this section.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the RA-H3.2 district include:
1. Any mechanical penthouse area in excess of that used for elevator, mechanical or
maintenance equipment shall be counted as gross floor area.

§7.5 RA-H-3.2, MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING AND H OTEL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
B. [Reserved]

A. Parking
1. As specified and regulated in §14.3, except that the following may be approved by site
plan:
(a) Multiple-family Dwelling: One off-street parking space per dwelling unit.
(b) Hotel: One off-street parking space for each guest room and dwelling unit.
(c) Commercial Uses: One off-street parking space for each 300 sq. ft. of gross floor
area of commercial space provided.
2. The parking required above shall be located below grade or within the structure
housing the use to which the parking is appurtenant, except as may be allowed in an
approved site plan.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.6 C-1-R, RESTRICTED LOCAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
§7.6.1 PURPOSE
§7.6. C-1-R, Restricted Local Commercial District

Purpose
The purpose of this the C-1-R, Restricted Local Commercial District is to recognize existing
pockets of commercial development in isolated locations throughout the county and to allow
for continuation of these commercial areas primarily in personal service uses with limited
opportunity for retail uses. The C-1-R district is intended for limited application throughout the
county and generally should be restricted to areas which are currently developed in
commercial uses but which, due to their isolated locations in predominantly residential areas,
should be limited with respect to expansion of both permitted commercial uses and
established district boundaries in order to minimize the impacts on surrounding residential
development.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-1-R district shall comply with the following
One-family All other
Type of Standard dwelling uses
Lot area 6,000 --

C. Exceptions
1. [Reserved]

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-1-R district include:
A. [Reserved]
Use limitations
Uses allowed in the C-1-R district are permitted only under the following conditions:
A. No industry or manufacturing shall be permitted except the making of articles which are
to be sold at retail on the premises; no killing of poultry or livestock; no wholesaling or
jobbing shall be carried on; and no merchandise shall be stored other than that which is to
be sold at retail at these establishments;
B. All business shall be conducted wholly within an enclosed building, except as follows:

§7.6 C-1-R, RESTRICTED LOCAL COMMERCIAL DISTR ICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
1. Uses permitted and conducted in kiosks in accordance with the requirements of

§12.5.12, may have outdoor displays of merchandise that extend no more than two
feet from the exterior wall of the kiosk and cover no more than 20 sq. ft.
C. All primary or incidental products and services shall be sold, at retail on the premises. This
provision does not apply to permitted drug stores and restaurants.

A. Landscaping
10 percent of total site area is required to be landscaped open space in accordance with
the requirements of §14.2, Landscaping.
B. Parking

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.7 C-1, LOCAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
§7.7.1 PURPOSE
§7.7. C-1, Local Commercial District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-1, Local Commercial District is to provide locations for low intensity
development where retail and personal service uses predominate and where there is also
limited opportunity for office uses and business service uses. C-1 district should be located and
developed as unified shopping centers consisting primarily of small individual shops of a linear
or cluster design. Furthermore, development of C-1 district should result in commercial
centers which are compatible with the surrounding development in terms of scale and
character.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-1 district shall comply with the following
One-family All other
Type of Standard dwelling uses
Lot area 6,000 --


Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-1 district include:
A. [Reserved]
Use limitations
Allowed uses shall comply with the following conditions:
A. No industry or manufacturing shall be permitted except the making of articles to be sold
at retail on the premises, no killing of poultry or livestock and no wholesaling or jobbing
shall be carried on, and no merchandise shall be stored other than that which is sold at
retail at these establishments.
B. All business shall be conducted wholly within an enclosed building, except as provided in
the following:
1. Outdoor cafes.
2. Short term uses permitted by §12.10.5.B.2.
3. Outdoor display and storage of goods that are customarily used outside such as
fertilizers, mulch, peat moss and garden tools shall be permitted by the holder of the

§7.7 C-1, LOCAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
occupancy permit in designated areas as approved by the zoning administrator,

provided that the location does not impede pedestrian or vehicular movement on the
property.
4. Uses permitted and conducted in kiosks in accordance with the requirements of
§12.5.12, may have outdoor displays of merchandise that extend no more than two
feet from the exterior wall of the kiosk and cover no more than 20 sq. ft.
C. All primary or incidental products shall be sold at retail on the premises, except for those
sold in permitted kiosks, florist or gift shops, or restaurants.

A. Landscaping
B. Parking and loading
1. Automobile parking space is to be provided as required in §14.3.
2. Loading space to be provided as required in §14.3.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.8 MU-VS, MIXED USE VIRGINIA SQUARE DISTRICT
§7.8.1 PURPOSE
§7.8. MU-VS, Mixed Use Virginia Square District

Purpose
The purpose of the MU-VS, Mixed Use Virginia Square District is to encourage coordinated
mixed-use development of medium-density residential and office development within the area
of the East End Special Coordinated Mixed Use District that is designated as Medium Density
Mixed-Use on the General Land Use Plan in the Virginia Square Metro station Area. The goals
of this district are to:
A. Provide for residential development that meets the housing goals and policies of Arlington
County as further set forth in the 2002 Virginia Square Sector Plan;
B. Encourage quality residential, office and/or mixed use space;
C. Provide for a tapering of heights between higher density residential development and
lower density residential and commercial uses;
D. Encourage the implementation of urban design, streetscape and open space plans and
policies;
E. Help achieve the policy objectives for increasing locally-oriented retail commercial
services; and
F. Achieve superior architecture and the best in urban design practice.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the MU-VS district shall comply with the following
All other
Type of Standard Hotels uses
Lot area -- --
Lot area per dwelling unit -- --
Lot area per sleeping unit 600 --
Lot width, minimum average (feet) -- --
Floor area ratio, maximum 1.5 1.5
See §7.8.4.
D. Exceptions
1. Building placement
Building placement, except for front yard setbacks, shall be as provided in §3.2.5.A for
front yard setbacks, buildings fronting on public streets shall have a build-to line of 14

§7.8 MU-VS, MIXED USE VIRGINIA SQUARE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
feet from the back of curb unless the zoning administrator determines that any
additional area between the sidewalk and the building face is built consistent with the
Streetscape, Landscaping, and Parking requirements of this subsection. The location
of the curb shall be determined by the Department of Environmental Services (DES)
and shown on the civil engineering plan submitted pursuant to §7.8.5.B.3, below, and
the location of the curb shall be consistent with the Virginia Square Sector Plan, the
Master Transportation Plan, and §7.8.5.B, below.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the MU-VS district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Mix of residential, office, retail, hotel development
By site plan approval pursuant to §15.5, the County Board may modify the regulations of
this district in a manner consistent with the following. Actual types and densities of uses
to be allowed pursuant to special exception site plan approval will be based on the extent
to which a proposed special exception site plan proposed for development or
redevelopment meets the standards of this section and accomplishes the policies,
recommendations and urban design guidelines contained in the 2002 Virginia Square
Sector Plan, the East End “Special Coordinated Mixed Use District” on the General Land
Use Plan, and other plans and policies established for the area by the County Board.
1. Density
Where the County Board finds that a development proposal furthers the goals
identified in the Virginia Square Sector Plan and the “Special Coordinated Mixed Use
District” designation on the General Land Use Plan, including the goals for affordable
housing, it may approve a density of up to 4.0 F.A.R. west of North Kansas Street and
may approve a density of up to 3.24 F.A.R. east of North Kansas Street. The County
Board may approve additional density up to a further 1.0 F.A.R. west of North Kansas
Street and may approve additional density up to a further 1.76 F.A.R. east of North
Kansas Street if it finds that:
(a) Additional affordable dwelling units are being provided to a degree that is at least
consistent with the goals set forth on the General Land Use Plan and in the Virginia
Square Sector Plan; and
(b) The development proposal offers important community benefits identified in
approved plans.
(c) Under no circumstances shall application of the provisions for additional density be
applied to permit a height of more than the building height limits set forth below or
a density greater than 5.0 F.A.R.

2. Height, tapering and step-back

(a) Building heights shall taper down from Fairfax Drive to Wilson Boulevard. Under no
circumstances shall the County Board approve a height of more than the following,
unless as permitted in §7.8.5.A.2(b) and §7.8.5.A.2(c), below:
(1) Block 1
Bordered by Fairfax Drive, Wilson Boulevard, North Lincoln Street, and
North Kansas Street:
(i) Fronting Fairfax Drive – 13 stories, or 135 feet
(ii) Fronting Wilson Boulevard – nine stories, or 95 feet
(2) Block 2
Bordered by Fairfax Drive, Wilson Boulevard, North Kansas Street, and
North Kenmore Street:
(3) Block 3
Bordered by Fairfax Drive, Wilson Boulevard, North Kenmore Street, and
North Jackson Street:
(4) Block 4
Bordered by North Jackson Street, Fairfax Drive /10th Street, and Wilson
Boulevard fronting Fairfax Drive, 10th Street and Wilson Boulevard – seven
stories, or 90 feet, except for mechanical penthouses and architectural
embellishments.
(b) Mechanical penthouses may be permitted above the height limits described above,
provided that they are set back from the building edge a distance equal to their
height and the County Board finds that the design of the mechanical penthouse
and surrounding roof area contributes positively to the design of the skyline of
Virginia Square. Under no circumstances shall the height of a mechanical
penthouse exceed 18 feet.
(c) Architectural embellishments on buildings within Block 4 and facing Fairfax
Drive/10th Street or Wilson Boulevard may project above the primary roof line a
maximum of 25 feet to emphasize the gateway location.
(d) Buildings along Fairfax Drive shall provide a step-back of no less than 15 feet from
the building wall at a point that is above the third story but no higher than 45 feet,
where the overall building height is 10 stories or more.
(e) Buildings along Wilson Boulevard shall provide a step-back of no less than 15 feet
from the building wall, above the sixth story.
(f) Buildings shall be designed with ground floor retail space with a floor-to-ceiling
height of at least 12 feet.

3. Urban design guidelines

Unless otherwise approved by the County Board, development subject to site plan
approval pursuant to §15.5 shall meet the urban design guidelines stated in the
16F
Virginia Square Sector Plan and any other plans the County Board has adopted for this
area, including but not limited to, the guidelines for:
(a) Relationship of buildings to streets
(b) Building size and site area
(c) Open space
(d) Landscaping
(e) Streetscape
(f) Retail frontage
(g) Roofs and mechanical penthouses
(h) Internal block pedestrian/vehicular access
4. Parking
Unless modified by the County Board, parking requirements shall be as specified and
regulated in §14.3, and as below:
(a) The equivalent of one off-street parking space shall be provided for each dwelling
unit, subject to the provisions as specified in §7.8.5.A.4(d)(2), below.
(b) Office and retail parking may be approved at a rate of one off-street parking space
for each 580 sq. ft. of office and retail gross floor area. No parking shall be required
for retail and service-commercial uses for the first 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area
per main building except as described below in §7.8.5.A.4(d)(2). In determining the
parking requirement for a particular proposal, the County Board may consider the
adequacy of both a Shared Parking Management Plan (SPMP) and a Transportation
Demand Management Plan (TDMP) proposed for the project.
(c) Hotel: 0.7 off-street parking space for each guest room.
(d) To ensure shared parking spaces for use by visitors, clients and retail patrons in the
Virginia Square Metro station Area, a SPMP shall be submitted as part of the site
plan application. The SPMP shall be developed pursuant to the following
guidelines:
(1) The allocation for short-term, high-turnover spaces for use by visitors to
retail establishments, residential and office buildings shall be based on the
guidelines below and may be provided out of the total overall building
parking requirement, if appropriate provisions are made in the SPMP for
such shared use, on terms acceptable to the County Board at the time of
site plan approval.
(2) In commercial and mixed-use buildings (i.e., buildings with at least 50
percent non-residential uses by gross floor area (GFA)), or in residential
buildings (i.e. buildings with 50 percent or more GFA devoted to residential
uses) parking on the first level of a parking garage shall be provided as
short-term, high-turnover spaces for use by visitors to retail establishments,

residential and office buildings and shall be determined based upon the
following minimum quantities:
(i) The quantity of parking spaces that are exempt for retail or service
commercial uses as described in §7.8.5.A.4(b), above;
(ii) All retail space parking required as a result of any ground floor retail or
office space provision in the design at a ratio of one space per 580 sq. ft. of
GFA;
(iii)0.1 space per dwelling unit shall be provided as short-term, high turnover
parking; and
(iv) The remaining commercially-oriented parking provided in the building shall
be made available to the public on evenings and weekend hours.
(3) All of the short term, high turnover and visitor parking provided pursuant to
this §7.8.5.A.5(d) shall be located and signed in the garage in such a manner
as to optimize safe and friendly pedestrian access by its users to the retail
frontage and building cores it is intended to serve.
(4) Deviations from these guidelines may be approved by the County Board
upon a satisfactory demonstration of the rationale for such a request,
supported by such parking demand/transportation demand analyses and/or
design studies reflecting difficult site conditions and /or acceptable
alternative parking provision solutions.
B. Streetscape
1. The periphery of any site fronting on public rights-of-way shall be landscaped from
face of curb to face of building by the provision of curb, gutter, landscape strip,
sidewalk, and street lights according to the design standards described below in this
subsection and the landscaping standards in §14.2.
2. The zoning administrator may approve the use of a portion of the public right-of-way
to provide the area needed to fulfill the streetscape requirements, when that is
consistent with the requirements of this subsection and provides uniformity with
abutting sites.
3. A civil engineering plan shall be submitted to DES to show the existing and proposed
curb and gutter location. The alignment of the curb and gutter shall be as shown on
the civil engineering plan approved by the county manager, or his designee. If curb
and gutter does not presently exist, curb and gutter shall be constructed meeting DES
specifications and shall be constructed to tie in with abutting curb and gutter, or as
specified by DES, to provide a continuous curb wall along each street in a uniform
manner.
4. If a building wall is located further from the back of curb than 14 feet, the site area
between the back of the sidewalk and the building wall shall be designed consistent
with the landscaping standards in §14.2 and shall not result in a depressed area
below, or a raised area above, the sidewalk elevation of more than three feet or for a
length that is more than 50 percent of the length of the corresponding property line.
5. Sidewalks shall be built form the back of curb to a minimum six feet clear width,
without obstructions, behind a five feet minimum width landscape strip with street
tree plantings

6. Street trees shall be planted as provided in §14.2.2, using specifies designated for
street tree use in the Virginia Square Sector Plan.
7. Sidewalks shall be constructed of pavers or concrete meeting DES specifications.
8. Any lighting installed on a property shall be pursuant to a lighting plan approved by
the zoning administrator to ensure that conflicts with overhead utilities, driveways,
and sidewalks are avoided. Use of the Carlyle-style street light is encouraged.
9. New building construction or expansion of existing structures or uses shall result in no
new utility poles, overhead wires or facilities on private property or public right-of-
way.
C. Landscaping
Ten percent of each site shall be landscaped in accordance with the requirements of
§14.2, Landscaping, and any other plans or policies approved by the County Board for this
area.
1. The provisions of §14.2, including §14.2.2 and §14.2.4, shall be applicable to all uses
within the East End “Special Coordinated Mixed Use District.”
2. If surface parking lots are provided, the provisions of §14.2.4 shall apply to all parking
areas regardless of the number of parking spaces. Surface parking lots shall be
screened by evergreen hedges, at least 18 inches in height at the time of planting and
consistent with the Arlington Landscape Standards manual, or a 36- to 48-inch-high
brick, stone or concrete wall.
D. Parking
1. Parking requirements shall be calculated as specified in §14.3, to the extent that the
requirements of §14.3 are not modified or otherwise specifically mentioned by this
subsection D, then those requirements shall apply.
2. However, to encourage and promote pedestrian-related commercial activity in the
Metro station areas, to provide relief for expanding, existing commercial uses, and to
promote the efficient use of parking spaces in the East End “Special Coordinated
Mixed Use District”, no parking shall be required for commercial uses for the first
5,000 sq. ft. of floor area per main building, except that the following uses shall
provide all parking that is otherwise required: blueprinting or photostating; catering
establishment; feed or fuel store; frozen food lockers; ice storage house; indoor
swimming pools; offices or clinics, medical or dental; hospitals; vehicle sales, rental or
leasing facilities; vehicle storage lots; music conservatory or music instruction;
plumbing or sheet metal shops; printing, lithographing or publishing; major utilities,
community service uses; sign making shops; vehicle service establishment; trade or
commercial school.
3. All restaurants within the “Special Coordinated Mixed Use District” may provide
parking consistent with §14.3.6.A. If a restaurant use expands its operations to
exceed what is defined in §14.3.6.A, parking shall be provided consistent with 2, 4,
and 5 of this subsection.
4. Up to 100 percent of any required parking may be provided off-site if the said parking
spaces are located within a ¼-mile radius of the subject site and if a legally binding

parking agreement meeting the standards of §14.3.6.B is provided to the zoning

administrator.
5. No development shall be exempt from parking requirements under this section,
unless it meets the urban design requirements set forth in §7.8.3, §7.8.5.B , and
§7.8.5.C. Development plans showing such urban design shall be submitted for
approval by the zoning administrator prior to any development activity on the site.
6. On-street parking shall be maximized on each street. To increase the quantity of on-
street parking, the quantity of driveway openings shall be minimized and shall not
exceed more than two per property frontage. Driveway openings shall be constructed
consistent with the requirements of §14.3.

§7.9 C-1-O, LIMITED COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.9.1 PURPOSE
§7.9. C-1-O, Limited Commercial Office Building District

Purpose
The intent of the C-1-O, Limited Commercial Office Building District is to provide areas for
nonretail commercial uses such as offices and financial institutions in a low-intensity manner.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-1-O district shall comply with the following
Lot width, average (feet) 60 100
Floor area ratio, maximum
Site area up to 9,999 -- 0.40
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Site area 20,000 and above -- 0.60

C. Exceptions
1. The County Board may rezone a transitional lot(s) to the C-1-O district that does not
meet minimum width and area requirements.
2. The County Board may rezone to the C-1-O district a lot which is located adjacent to a
C or M district with more than 20,000 sq. ft. and designated for commercial or
industrial use on the general land use plan subject to the floor area requirements
listed above. Under no circumstances shall the lot being considered for rezoning have
a lot area of less than 6,000 sq. ft.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-1-O district include:
[Reserved]
Use limitations
Building Type: All buildings erected under the provisions of this section shall have an exterior
design so as to present the appearance of a residential structure. The basis for judging the
exterior design shall be the degree to which the structure has the appearance of and complies
with the bulk and placement requirements for residential buildings and structures in the
vicinity of the site.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.9 C-1-O, LIMITED COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDING DISTRICT

A. Landscaping
B. Parking and loading
Parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of §14.3.

§7.10 C-O-1.0, MIXED USE D ISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.10.1 PURPOSE
§7.10. C-O-1.0, Mixed Use District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-O-1.0, Mixed Use District is to provide for limited office building land use
and, under appropriate conditions, office building, hotel, multiple-family, commercial and/or
institutional redevelopment of older commercial areas. Appropriate mixtures of use and
densities under the terms of this district are to be determined in accordance with the
conditional use provisions of this zoning ordinance and shall be consistent with the General
Land Use Plan or approved plans for the area. Determination as to the actual types and
densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the characteristics of individual sites in their
neighborhood and on the need for community facilities, open and landscaped areas, circulation
and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-0-1.0 district shall comply with the following
Lot width, minimum average 60
100
(feet)
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Development allowed by special exception in the C-O-1.0 district shall comply with the
Institutional uses including All
hospitals, nursing homes Office, other
Type of Standard and group care facilities Commercial Apartment 167F Hotel uses
Density, maximum
(units/acre) -- -- 40 60
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000
Lot width, average (feet) 100 100 100 100 100
Height, maximum (stories) -- 5 6 6 35
Floor area ratio, maximum 1.0 1.0 -- --
Site area up to 9,999, sq. ft. 0.4
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 sq. ft. 0.5
Site area 20,000 and above sq. ft. 0.6


ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.10 C-O-1.0, MIXED USE D ISTRICT
§7.10.4 DISTRICT USE STANDARDS
D. Exceptions
1. Stories shall be counted from the average elevation of the site. Mechanical
equipment placed on roof shall be enclosed or screened.
2. The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the C-O-1.0 district where
a lot or plot having less width or less area which [sic] is any part of a block surrounded
by streets and/or buildings that generally comply with the provisions of this section.
3. Hotel meeting rooms and restaurants may be permitted to exceed the above density
by site plan approval.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-O-1.0 district include:
A. Office, commercial, institutional, apartment or hotel uses
1. By site plan approval, any building or group of buildings may have a mix of uses, but
no part of any site shall be used more than once in calculating its permitted density of
use.

A. Parking
Parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of §14.3, except as
provided above in an approved site plan.

§7.11.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
and, under appropriate conditions, office building, hotel, multiple-family, commercial and/or
institutional redevelopment of older commercial and industrial areas. Appropriate mixtures of
use and densities under the terms of this district are to be determined in accordance with the
special exception provisions of this zoning ordinance and shall be consistent with the General
Land Use Plan or approved plans for the area. Determinations as to the actual types and
densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the characteristics of individual sites in their
neighborhood and on the need for community facilities, open and landscaped areas, circulation
and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-O-1.5 district shall comply with the following
Lot width, average (feet) 60 100
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Institutional uses including All
hospitals, nursing homes and Office, Multiple- other
Type of Standard group care facilities Commercial family 167F Hotel uses
Density, maximum -- -- 72 110
(units/acre)
Height, maximum (stories)
Sites less than 20 acres -- 8 10 10
Sites more than 20 acres -- 12-18 12-18 12-18
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 sq. ft. 0.5


D. Height
1. On sites of less than 20 acres in area, no building, excluding mechanical penthouse
area, shall exceed eight stories for office buildings and 10 stories for multiple-family
and hotel buildings. Varied building heights will be encouraged, but the maximum
average height for such sites shall not exceed eight stories.
2. On sites of 20 acres or larger, varied building heights will be encouraged, but the
average height of all buildings shall not exceed 12 stories with no individual building
exceeding 18 stories except as provided in §15.5.7. No building which exceeds 12
stories for multiple-family or hotels or eight stories for offices shall be located within
200 feet of a residential district with a lower height limit. Average height in stories is
the quotient of the gross floor area of all uses divided by the sum of the arithmetic
means of the floor areas of each and every building that is part of the total site.
Parapet walls may be extended upward to screen a mechanical penthouse. This area
shall not be counted as a story but may be enclosed and in addition to those uses
meeting the definition of mechanical penthouse, may also be used for restaurants,
meeting rooms, recreational facilities and other ancillary uses. Area of all uses other
than the aforementioned uses within a mechanical penthouse shall be counted as
gross floor area.
E. Lot area and width
The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the C-O-1.5 District where a
lot or plot having less width or less area which [sic] is any part of a block surrounded by
F. Density
Restaurants, theaters, hotel meeting rooms and community facilities and uses may be
permitted and may exceed the permitted densities by site plan approval, provided any
reduction in required parking shall follow special study of their related parking
requirements.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-O.1.5 district include:
A. Office, commercial, institutional, apartment or hotel uses
By site plan approval, any building or group of buildings may have a mix-of uses, but no
part of any site shall be used more than once in calculating its permitted density of use.


§7.12.1 PURPOSE

Purpose
and, under appropriate conditions high-rise office building, hotel, commercial and/or multiple-
family redevelopment within "Metro Transit Corridors" as designated by the County Board.
Appropriate mixtures of use and densities under the terms of this district are to be determined
in accordance with the conditional use provisions of this zoning ordinance and shall be
consistent with the General Land Use Plan or approved plans for the area. Determinations as
to the actual types and densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the characteristics of
individual sites in their neighborhood and on the need for community facilities, open and
Uses

A. By-right
Development permitted by-right in the C-O-2.5 district shall comply with the following
Lot width (feet) 60 100
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Institutional uses All
including hospitals, other
nursing homes, and Office, Multiple- uses
Type of Standard group care facilities Commercial family Hotel
Density, maximum (units/acre) -- -- 115 180
Height, maximum (stories), excluding 35
mechanical penthouse -- 12 16 16
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 sq. ft. 0.5


D. Exceptions
1. Height
By site plan approval the following may be approved:
(a) Parapet walls may be extended upward to screen a mechanical penthouse. This
area shall not be counted as a story but may be enclosed and may also be used for
private clubs, auditoriums, meeting rooms and restaurants.
(b) All permitted additional mechanical penthouse uses shall be limited to one floor.
Elevator service to the penthouse level may be considered in support of an
approved additional use in the mechanical penthouse.
The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the C-O-2.5 District where
a lot or plot having less width or less area that is any part of a block surrounded by
3. Density
Hotel meeting rooms and restaurants may be permitted to exceed the above density
by site plan approval.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-O-2.5 district include:
A. Office, commercial uses including retail and service commercial uses,
apartment or hotel uses
By site plan approval, any building or group of buildings may have a mix of uses , but no
part of any site shall be used more than once in calculating its permitted density of use.

A. Parking
As specified and regulated in §14.3, except as provided above in an approved site plan.

§7.13 C-O, MIXED USE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.13.1 PURPOSE
§7.13. C-O, Mixed Use District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-O Mixed-Use District is to provide for limited office building land use, and
under appropriate conditions, to encourage rebuilding with high-rise office buildings, hotels, or
multiple-family dwellings in the vicinity of Metrorail stations. Determination as to the
appropriate mixtures of uses and densities shall be based on the General Land Use Plan
designation or approved plans for the area, characteristics of individual sites and the need for
community facilities, open space and landscaped area, circulation and utilities.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-O district shall comply with the following
Lot width, minimum average 60
100
(feet)
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Development allowed by special exception in the C-O district shall comply with the
Office, Multiple-
Type of Standard Commercial family 67F Hotel
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 30,000 30,000 30,000
Lot width, average (feet) 125 125 125
Height, maximum, including mechanical penthouse
and parapet walls (feet) 153 180 180
Floor area ratio, maximum 3.8 4.8 3.8

D. Exceptions
The County Board may authorize application for rezoning to the C-O district where a
lot or plot having less width or less area is part of a block surrounded by streets
and/or buildings that generally comply with the provisions of this section.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.13 C-O, MIXED USE DISTRICT
2. Western Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment District

Properties in the area designated as the Western Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment
District on the General Land Use Plan may be developed in accordance with the
regulations of §9.5.
3. Courthouse Square Special District
In considering the approval of a site plan for properties located in the area designated
as the Courthouse Square Special District on the General Land Use Plan, the County
Board may approve additional density and height above that provided in §7.13.3.B
where it finds that the development project furthers the goals, policies, and
recommendations in the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum: Courthouse Square,
offers certain features, design elements, services, or amenities identified in the
Courthouse Square Sector Plan Addendum: Courthouse Square and specifically
responds to the Courthouse Square Priority Concept Recommendations, and meets
§15.5.5 and other special exception criteria of the Zoning Ordinance, subject to the
following regulations:
(a) Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve height, exclusive of
mechanical penthouses, above that shown on the Building Height and Location
Map (Map 1, §7.13.6), except that:
(1) Non-occupiable, exceptional architectural features may exceed the heights
outline in this §7.13.3.D.3(a)
(2) Additional height up to 180 feet may be considered by the County Board for
joint public-private redevelopment where shown on Map 1, §7.13.6.
(b) The minimum depth of building step-backs shall be consistent with the step-backs
shown in the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum: Courthouse Square. Unless the
County Board finds, in a particular case, that a greater or lesser step-back in height
provides a better overall design or a better relationship to the pedestrian realm
while still achieving the goals of the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum:
Courthouse Square, the height of building step-backs shall be consistent with the
step-backs shown in the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum: Courthouse Square.
(c) The provisions of §15.5.9 for the approval of additional height and density shall not
be applicable in the Courthouse Square District, and under no circumstances shall
the provisions of §15.5.7.A be used for the approval of additional density or height
(d) Additional density shall not be achieved through transfer of development rights
provisions in §15.5.7.B in the Courthouse Square District.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-O district include:
A. Office, hotel, multiple-family dwelling and commercial development
By site plan approval, any building or group of buildings may have a mix of uses. No
portion of the site shall be used more than one time in computing the permitted density.
All mechanical penthouse area in excess of that used for elevator, mechanical, or
maintenance equipment shall be counted as gross floor area.

§7.13 C-O, MIXED USE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS

A. Parking requirements
1. As specified and regulated in §14.3, except that the following may be approved by site
plan:
(a) Office, Retail, Service Commercial Space: One off-street parking space for each 530
sq. ft. of gross floor area.
(b) Multiple-family Dwelling: One off-street parking space for each dwelling unit.
(c) Hotel: 0.7 off-street parking spaces for each guest room and dwelling unit.
2. The above required parking shall be located below grade or within the structure
housing the use to which the parking is appurtenant, except as may be allowed in an
approved site plan.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.13 C-O, MIXED USE DISTRICT
§7.13.6 COURTHOUSE SQUARE BUILDING HEIGHT AND LOCATION MAP
Courthouse Square Building Height and Location Map

§7.14 C-O-A, MIXED USE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.14.1 PURPOSE
§7.14. C-O-A, Mixed Use District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-O-A, Mixed Use District is to encourage a coordinated mixed-use
development of office, multiple-family and hotel use in the vicinity of Metro-rail stations. To
be eligible for the district, a site, or a major portion of a site, shall be located within an area
designated for "coordinated mixed use development" on the General Land Use Plan.
Determination as to the actual types and densities of uses to be allowed will be based on the
characteristics of individual sites and on the need for community facilities, open space and
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-O-A district shall comply with the following
Hotels
Lot area 6,000 -- --
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 -- --
Lot area per sleeping or living unit 600
Lot width, minimum average (feet) 169 60 -- --
1. General
The boundaries of this district shall be fixed by amendment of the zoning map at such
time in the future as the district is applied to specific properties in the County.
2. Height
(a) Development allowed by special exception in the C-O-A district shall comply with
the following standards, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
Office and Multiple-
Type of Standard Hotel family
Height, maximum (feet)
Site area 19,999 or less 100 151
Site area 20,000 to 29,999 110 162
Site area 30,000 to 39,999 120 171
Site area 40,000 to 49,999 130 180
Site area 50,000 to 59,999 140 189
Site area 60,000 to 69,999 150 198
Site area 70,000 to 79,999 160 207
Site area 80,000 or more 170 216
(b) Site plans are required to be approved as provided for in §15.5, except that under
no circumstances shall the height of any building exceed the height limits
established in §7.14.3.B.2(a) by more than 30 feet.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.14 C-O-A, MIXED USE DISTRICT
(c) No building, nor the enlargement of any building, including mechanical penthouse
height and/or height of parapet walls, shall be hereafter erected to exceed the
above height.
(d) An multiple-family structure shall be any building with a minimum of 30 percent of
the gross floor area in multiple-family use.
3. Density
(a) Office, multiple-family, hotel and commercial development may be approved at the
following densities:
Total Floor Maximum Office Hotel
Site Area (sq. ft.) Area Ratio and Commercial Floor
4,999 or less 1.0 .5
5,000 1.5 .75
10,000 2.0 1.0
15,000 2.5 1.25
20,000 3.0 1.5
30,000 3.5 1.75
40,000 4.0 2.0
50,000 4.5 2.25
60,000 5.0 2.50
70,000 5.5 2.75
80,000 or more 6.0 3.0
(b) On sites with more area than 5,000 sq. ft. and less area than 20,000 sq. ft. which do
not have the precise number of sq. ft. shown on the chart above, the F.A.R. shall be
the F.A.R. allowed for the next smaller site as shown on the chart plus .0001
maximum total F.A.R. for each additional square foot of site area. The maximum
office, hotel, and commercial F.A.R. to be added for each square foot shall be
.00005. On sites with more than 20,000 sq. ft. and less area than 80,000 sq. ft.
which do not have the precise number of sq. ft. shown on the chart above, the
F.A.R. shall be the F.A.R. allowed for the next smaller site shown on the chart plus
.00005 maximum total F.A.R. for each additional square foot of site area. The
maximum office, hotel, and commercial F.A.R. to be added for each square foot
shall be .000025.
(c) To encourage the development of multiple-family, an additional ½ F.A.R. may be
approved within any project that is at least 90 percent committed to multiple-
family use. The additional ½ F.A.R. may be used for multiple-family, commercial or
office use.
(d) The County Board may modify the mix of uses within a site plan to allow hotel use
to substitute for multiple-family use. Provided, however, that such modification
will not result in more than 800,000 sq. ft. of hotel gross floor area being
substituted for multiple-family use in the C-O-A district.
(e) Buildings in which the primary use is hotel shall have 50 percent of the gross floor
area located at street level in retail use except as otherwise approved by site plan
by the County Board. To the extent practical, retail uses shall front on the street
and be directly accessible therefrom except as otherwise approved by site plan by
the County Board.

§7.14 C-O-A, MIXED USE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS


Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-O-A district include:
A. Hotel
For hotel use, when subject to site plan approval, a transportation demand management
plan shall be provided which addresses among other things retail and shared parking of
motor vehicles including buses.

A. Landscaping
A minimum of 10 percent of the total site area is required to be landscaped open space in
accordance with the requirements of §14.2, Landscaping.
B. Parking and loading space
1. One off-street parking space shall be provided for each dwelling unit.
2. One parking space for each 530 sq. ft. of commercial or office space, provided that
one parking space for each 580 sq. ft. of commercial or office space shall be required
in projects with associated multiple-family use.
3. One parking space for each hotel unit.
4. Off-street loading spaces for all permitted uses shall be provided as specified in §14.3.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.15 C-O ROSSLYN, MIXED U SE ROSSLYN DISTRICT
§7.15.1 PURPOSE
§7.15. C-O Rosslyn, Mixed Use Rosslyn District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-O Rosslyn, Mixed Use Rosslyn District is to encourage a mixed-use
development of office, retail and service commercial, hotel and multiple-family dwelling uses
within the area designated as the Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment District on the General
Land Use Plan. The goal of this district is to advance the vision of the Rosslyn Sector Plan,
including:
A. Supporting a diverse mix of uses, including workplaces, housing, retail, and visitor
destinations;
B. Creating a high quality public realm with an emphasis on walkability and a diverse network
of public parks, open spaces, and tree-lined streets;
C. Implementing a peaks and valleys approach to building heights that, among other goals,
preserves priority public view corridors, supports an appealing environment at the ground
level, creates an attractive, distinctive skyline with varied heights, and ensures sensitive
transitions to surrounding neighborhoods;
D. Transforming Rosslyn’s transportation network, including an enhanced system of
complete streets, improvements to transit facilities and operations, and safer, more
attractive and more accessible pedestrian and bicycle networks; and
E. Achieving superior architecture and the best in urban design practice.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-O Rosslyn district shall comply with the following
Single-
family All Other
Lot width (feet) 60 100
Site area 10,000 to 19,999 -- 0.50
Development allowed by special exception in the C-O Rosslyn district shall comply with
the following standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board.

§7.15 C-O ROSSLYN, MIXED U SE ROSSLYN DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.15.4 PROVISIONS FOR ADDITIONAL DENSITY AND HEIGHT
Office,
Retail, Multiple-
Service family
Type of Standard Commercial Dwellings Hotel
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 30,000 30,000 30,000
Lot width, average (feet) 125 125 125
Height, maximum, including penthouse and parapet
walls (feet) 153 180 180
Floor area ratio, maximum 3.8 4.8 4.8
1. Exceptions
(a) See §7.15.4 for provisions for additional density and height.
(b) The County Board may approve application for rezoning to the C-O Rosslyn district
where a lot or plot having less width or less area is part of a block surrounded by
Provisions for additional density and height

In considering the approval of a site plan the County Board may approve additional density and
height above that provided in §7.15.3.B where it finds that the development project is
consistent with the Rosslyn Sector Plan, offers certain features, design elements, services, or
amenities identified in the Rosslyn Sector Plan, and meets §15.5.5 and other special exception
criteria of the Zoning Ordinance. In considering such modification, the County Board may also
consider characteristics of the site and the area as described in §15.5.7. The provisions of
§15.5.9 for the approval of additional height and density shall not be applicable in the C-O
Rosslyn district, and under no circumstances shall the provisions of §15.5.7.A be used for the
approval of additional density or height. The approval of additional height and density, under
the foregoing, shall be subject to the following:
A. Density
1. Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve density above 10.0 F.A.R.;
except where it finds that the development project is consistent with the building
height and form guidelines of the Rosslyn Sector Plan, the County Board may approve
density above 10.0 F.A.R. only as follows:
(a) Where it finds that the additional density is necessary to accommodate on-site
either a new segment(s) of 18th Street North; or infrastructure that substantially
increases capacity of the Metrorail system (such as a new Metro station or similar
related infrastructure), provided that, in accordance with §7.15.4.B.2, under no
circumstances shall building height above that shown on the building heights map
in the Rosslyn Sector Plan be approved if additional density is granted under this
§7.15.4.A.1(a); and/or
(b) In exceptional cases, where the additional density is achieved through the transfer
of development rights, as provided in §15.5.7.B.
2. No portion of the site shall be used more than one time in computing the permitted
density. All mechanical penthouse area in excess of that used for elevator,
mechanical, or maintenance equipment shall be counted as gross floor area.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.15 C-O ROSSLYN, MIXED U SE ROSSLYN DISTRICT
B. Building height
1. The County Board may approve additional height above that provided in §7.15.3.B,
exclusive of mechanical penthouses and parapet walls, up to the building height on
the building heights map and consistent with the step-backs and neighborhood
transitions shown on the building heights map in the Rosslyn Sector Plan, where it
finds the development project is consistent with the peaks and valleys building heights
policy of the Rosslyn Sector Plan, including but not limited to:
(a) Priority view corridors from the public observation deck are preserved;
(b) The development project contributes to a distinctive and dynamic skyline with
varied heights and architectural expression;
(c) The development project provides a transition in scale and height to surrounding
lower density neighborhoods;
(d) The design of the development project considers opportunities for daylight for
public parks and open spaces envisioned in the Rosslyn Sector Plan; and
(e) The development project provides an appealing, pedestrian-scaled street
environment.
2. The County Board may approve variations from height, step-backs and neighborhood
height transitions shown on the buildings heights map in the Rosslyn Sector Plan
based on site specific considerations where it finds the development project is
otherwise consistent with the findings of §7.15.4.B.1, provided that under no
circumstances shall building height above that shown on the building heights map in
the Rosslyn Sector Plan be approved if additional density is granted under
§7.15.4.A.1(a) or to allow a building height greater than 470 feet above sea level,
inclusive of mechanical penthouses and parapet walls.

A. Parking and loading
Parking and loading shall be as specified and regulated in §14.3, and as specified below,
except that the County Board may modify parking regulations by site plan approval.
1. Parking requirements
(a) Dwelling unit
One off-street parking space shall be provided for each dwelling unit.
(b) Hotel
0.7 off-street parking space for each guest room and dwelling unit.
(c) Office, retail and service commercial uses
Office and retail parking may be approved within a range between the rate of
one off-street parking space for each 530 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft. of office and retail
gross floor area depending on the adequacy of the Transportation Demand
Management plan in addressing the need for parking.

§7.15 C-O ROSSLYN, MIXED U SE ROSSLYN DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
2. Additional parking requirements

(a) The parking provided shall be located below grade or within the structure housing
the use to which the parking is appurtenant. 71F
(b) Short-term, convenient parking shall be provided for customers of commercial

tenant retailers when the business premises are open to the public for business.
(c) Transportation Demand Management plans shall be required to be approved as
part of any site plan approval unless determined otherwise by the County Board.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.16 C-O CRYSTAL CITY, MIXED USE CRYSTAL CITY DISTRICT
§7.16.1 PURPOSE
§7.16. C-O Crystal City, Mixed Use Crystal City District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-O Crystal City, Mixed Use Crystal City District is to encourage mixed-use
development of office, retail and service commercial, hotel and multiple-family dwelling uses
within the area designated as the Crystal City Coordinated Redevelopment District on the
General Land Use Plan. When a site is located in the area designated Crystal City Coordinated
Redevelopment District on the General Land Use Plan, site plans may be approved by the
County Board as set forth below. Determination of the actual types and densities of uses to be
allowed will be based on the characteristics of sites and their locations, and on the extent to
which the proposed redevelopment of the site is done in a way that ameliorates the impacts of
the types and densities of uses, and provides features or amenities identified in the Crystal City
Sector Plan and other plans and policies established for the area by the County Board, including
without limitation site design incorporating co-location of land uses, adherence to
recommended build-to lines, compliance with bulk-plane angles to provide for adequate
sunlight to parks, tower separation and tower coverage goals for adequate light and relief,
environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient building design, transportation and transit
facilities, parks and other open space amenities, and creation of affordable housing. The goal of
this zoning district is to permit development that:
A. Advances the future vision of Crystal City established in the Sector Plan;
B. Provides a mix of uses including office, residential, retail, cultural and civic within several
defined neighborhood centers;
C. Supports Crystal City’s revitalization and long-term economic sustainability;
D. Facilitates gradual and coordinated redevelopment on each block;
E. Supports, and is supported by, enhanced multimodal transportation access and
connectivity; and
F. Creates a high-quality public realm comprising the streets, squares, and other public areas
envisioned in the Sector Plan.
Uses

A. By-right
Development allowed by-right in the C-O Crystal City district shall comply with the
following standards, except as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.

Lot area, minimum (feet) 20,000
Lot width (feet) 100
Floor area ratio, maximum 0.60

§7.16 C-O CRYSTAL CITY, MIXED USE CRYSTAL CITY DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
Development allowed by special exception in the C-O Crystal City district shall comply with
the following standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board.

Lot area, minimum
--
(feet)
Height, maximum (feet) As specified in 7.16.8 or as otherwise approved by the County Board
Floor area ratio,
As specified in 7.16.6 or as otherwise approved by the County Board
maximum


Site plans
In considering the approval of a site plan within the area designated as the Crystal City
Coordinated Redevelopment District on the General Land Use Plan as well as on the Base
Density Map (§7.16.6), the County Board may approve additional density or other development
features where the project ameliorates the impact of those densities or other increases, and
provides features or amenities identified in the Crystal City Sector Plan and other plans and
policies established for the area by the County Board, including without limitation site design
incorporating co-location of land uses, adherence to recommended build-to lines, compliance
with bulk-plane angles to provide adequate sunlight to parks, tower separation and tower
coverage goals for adequate light and relief, environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient
building design, transportation and transit facilities, parks and other open space amenities, and
creation of affordable housing. The amount of additional density granted shall be based on the
extent to which the project meets the plans or provides such benefits, and does so within the
building form parameters established in this §7.16.5. Where identified below, maps are those
contained in this section.
A. Density regulations
The maximum permitted residential, hotel, office, retail and service commercial gross
floor area on a given site shall be the base densities shown on the Base Density Map
(§7.16.6). In considering the approval of a site plan, the County Board may approve
additional density or other development features permitted under the Sector Plan and by
the provisions of this §7.16.5 when the County Board finds incremental amounts of
additional density should be approved for the development proposal because it furthers
the goals, policies, and recommendations in the Crystal City Sector Plan and other plans
and policies established for the area by the County Board. The amount of additional
density or other bonuses granted shall be based on the extent to which the project meets
the plans or provides such benefits, and provided such density or bonuses can be
accommodated within the other building form parameters established in §7.16.5.
B. Area requirements
None

§7.16.5 SITE PLANS
C. Use mix regulations

A site plan project shall include a mix of uses above the ground floor that does not
preclude achieving the target mix for the block on which it is located as shown in the Land
Use Map (§7.16.7). Pursuant to §15.5, this may be modified when the County Board finds
that other goals of the Sector Plan are substantially met by the project.
D. Height regulations
1. Building heights shall comply with the Building Heights Map (§7.16.8), and may be
approved as specified in this §7.16.5.D.1(a) and §7.16.5.D.1(b), below. The height
limits shown on the map shall exclude mechanical penthouse and parapet walls.
Under no circumstances may the County Board approve heights above those specified
in the Building Heights Map, provided, however, that:
(a) For sites comprising buildings existing on December 10, 2011 with heights greater
than specified on §7.16.8, the County Board may approve a building height greater
than specified on §7.16.8, but under no circumstances exceeding the height of
existing buildings; and
(b) Where dimensions of height zones are shown on §7.16.8, such dimensions may be
modified by site plan approval, pursuant to §15.5, when the County Board finds
that the need for such modification is generated by site-specific circumstances and
is otherwise consistent with the goals and policies contained in the Crystal City
Sector Plan.
2. All mechanical penthouse and parapet walls above the height limit shall comply with
§3.1.6.B., provided, however, that on sites identified for architectural features shown
on the Architectural Features Map (§7.16.9), mechanical penthouse and parapet
heights shall not exceed 23 feet or 10 percent of the main building height, whichever
is greater.
E. Bulk plane angle requirements
For sites identified with a frontage type of “A” through “H” per the legend on the Bulk
Plane Angle Map (§7.16.10), buildings shall conform to the bulk plane angle requirements
shown on that map. For sites that are subject to bulk plane angle conditions specified in
§7.16.10, buildings shall follow the height regulations in §7.16.5.D., above, and shall also
incorporate step-backs or sculpting in building form so as to fit within both the maximum
building height and bulk plane angle requirements for the site. The bulk plane angle
provisions specified above may be modified by the County Board, pursuant to §15.5, when
it finds that a site plan maintains adequate sunlight to public open spaces across from
frontages with bulk-plane angle requirements, such that the percentage of such public
open space that is not in shadow between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the vernal or
autumnal equinoxes is greater than 55 percent.
F. Building tower separation and coverage requirements
To ensure adequate light, air, and privacy, building tower separation and building tower
coverage shall meet the following requirements:
1. A minimum horizontal separation of 60 feet between building towers above the fifth
floor shall be provided. Pursuant to §15.5, this provision may be modified when the
County Board finds that additional tower separation on the block will likely be

§7.16.5 SITE PLANS
achieved through future redevelopment, based upon the Crystal City Block Plan
referenced in §7.16.5.J.
2. Building tower coverage shall not exceed the allowable maximums as shown on the
Tower Coverage Map (§7.16.11). Pursuant to §15.5, this requirement may be
modified by the County Board when it finds that the building tower coverage depicted
in the Crystal City Block Plan for the block complies with the maximums shown on
§7.16.11.
G. Streetscape
All development subject to site plan approval pursuant to §15.5 shall provide
streetscapes, including curb, gutter, sidewalk, street light, street furniture, street trees,
landscaping and other elements that are consistent with the Crystal City Sector Plan, and
other plans and policies established for the area by the County Board.
H. Parking
Notwithstanding any provisions in §14.3 that are different from those below, parking shall
be regulated as specified below, unless otherwise modified by the County Board by site
plan approval:
1. Multi-family residential
One and one-eighth parking spaces shall be provided for each of the first 200 dwelling
units in any structure, and one space for each additional dwelling unit above 200.
2. Commercial, including office and retail
One parking space shall be provided for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
3. Hotel
One-half parking space shall be provided for each guest room.
4. Additional parking requirement
All parking shall be located below grade or within the structure housing the use to
which the parking is appurtenant. Where above-grade parking occurs in a structure
along public open spaces or public arterial streets as identified in the County’s Master
Transportation Plan, such parking shall be lined with active programmed space. When
occurring along other public streets or along alleys, such above-grade parking shall be
treated at a minimum with enhanced architectural facades.
5. Loading spaces
The location of loading spaces for all permitted uses shall be determined by Site Plan
approval.
I. Transportation demand management plans
In order to justify the parking requirements in §7.16.5.H, above, Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) plans required by Administrative Regulation 4.1 for site plans shall
172
demonstrate a reduction in vehicular trips and an increase in the use of other

transportation options so as to reduce the need for parking on the site.
J. Crystal City block plans
Each site plan application for properties within the Crystal City Coordinated
Redevelopment District and located east of Jefferson Davis Highway shall include, for
review and adoption by the County Board, a Crystal City Block Plan (CCBP) for the block(s)

§7.16.5 SITE PLANS
on which the site plan is located. The CCBP shall serve as a general, guiding long-range
plan for a specific block, supplemental to and in support of the guidance and vision
already established in the Crystal City Sector Plan. The CCBP shall be submitted in
accordance with the applicable County administrative regulations.

§7.16.6 BASE DENSITY MAP
Base density map

§7.16.7 LAND USE MAP
Land use map

§7.16.8 BUILDING HEIGHTS MAP
Building heights map

§7.16.9 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES MAP
Architectural features map

§7.16.10 BULK PLANE ANGLE MAP
Bulk plane angle map

§7.16.11 TOWER COVERAGE MAP
Tower coverage map

§7.17 C-2, SERVICE COMMERCIAL-COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.17.1 PURPOSE
§7.17. C-2, Service Commercial-Community Business District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-2, Service Commercial-Community Business District is to provide locations
for commercial development where the variety in retail, service and office uses is intended to
serve a broad-based community. The C-2 district should be developed as linear commercial
and be located primarily along principal arterial streets as designated in the Arlington County
Master Transportation Plan. The C-2 district provides for an expanded range of uses, greater
density and greater height than the C-1 district.
Uses
Special Revitalization Districts

See §9.1 for regulations applicable to Special Revitalization Districts on the General Land Use
Plan.

A. By-right
Hotels
Lot area 6,000 --
Lot area per sleeping unit ) -- 600 --
Lot width (feet) 60 --
Floor area ratio, maximum -- -- 1.5
B. Exceptions
1. Lot area
Buildings hereafter erected and used partly for dwelling and partly for commercial
purposes, shall comply with the lot area requirements of the RA8-18 district.
District use regulations

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-2 district include:
A. Cleaning and laundering establishments
Steam exhausts for cleaning and laundering establishments shall be within said building.
Use limitations
A. There shall be no manufacturing, compounding, processing or treatment of products
other than that which is clearly incidental and essential to a retail store or business and

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.17 C-2, SERVICE COMMERCIAL-COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT
where all such products are sold at retail at these establishments, except as allowed for
food delivery service.

A. Landscaping
B. [Reserved]

§7.18 C-TH, COMMERCIAL TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.18.1 PURPOSE
§7.18. C-TH, Commercial Townhouse District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-TH, Commercial Townhouse District is to encourage commercial
development of structures with the physical characteristics of townhouses and to provide
tapering of heights between higher density commercial development and lower density
residential uses. The district is designed for use in the vicinity of the Metrorail stations and, to
be eligible for the district, a site shall be located within an area designated "service
commercial" or "general commercial" on the General Land Use Plan and zoned for general
commercial uses.
Uses

A. General
Development allowed by-right in the C-TH district shall comply with the following
Two-family dwellings
that share a lot line
Office,
with RA, C or M districts
Commercial
One-family Semi- and Multi-
Type of Standard Dwelling detached Duplex Hotel family
Density, maximum -- -- --
110 --
(units/acre)
Site area, minimum (sq. ft.) 5,000 8,700 8,700 -- --
Lot area 5,000 4,350 8,700 -- --
Lot area per dwelling unit 5,000 4,350 -- -- --
(feet)
Lot width 50 35 70 -- --
Height
Maximum (feet) 35 35 35 55 55
Maximum (number of stories) -- -- --
Floor area per dwelling unit -- 750 750 -- --

C. Exceptions
1. Height
(a) For properties which abut an R district that also is designated "low" residential (one
through 10 units per acre) on the General Land Use Plan, building heights shall not
exceed 45 feet, including mechanical penthouses, for the first 50 feet of property
measured from the property line abutting the R district.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.18 C-TH, COMMERCIAL TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT
(b) Mechanical penthouses shall be permitted above the 55 foot height limit, provided
that they are set back a distance equal to their height from the building edge and
shall not exceed 18 feet.

Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-TH district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Landscaping
10 percent of the total site is required to be landscaped open space in accordance with
B. Parking
1. One parking space for each 580 sq. ft. of gross floor area of commercial or office
space.
2. 1 1/2 parking spaces for each dwelling unit.
3. One parking space for each hotel unit.
4. Any parking area may include up to 15 percent of the parking spaces for compact car
spaces.
Streetscape
A. The periphery of any site fronting on public rights-of-way shall be landscaped by the
provision of curb, gutter, sidewalk, street light, street furniture and other elements, from
face of curb to face of building according to the streetscape standards set forth in the
adopted sector plan for the area in which the site is located. Sites which are not located
within sector plan areas shall provide streetscape improvements consistent with the
Master Walkway Policy Plan:
1. The zoning administrator may approve the use of a portion of the public right-of-way
to provide the area needed to fulfill the streetscape requirements, when that is
consistent with all of the adopted elements of the Comprehensive Plan and provides
uniformity with abutting sites.
2. In cases where an existing building is preserved and the sidewalk section is less than
the standard, the zoning administrator may waive the required width of paved
sidewalk area for an abutting property, in conjunction with development of that
property, in order to achieve uniformity in the streetscape. The total required width
of the walkway and streetscape area shall be maintained.
B. All aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the site shall be put underground with
redevelopment or new construction.
C. Surface parking shall be allowed. Surface parking areas shall be screened from public
plaza areas, public sidewalks, and abutting residentially zoned properties by landscaping
and a four-foot high brick wall, except that where parking areas abut an R district that also

§7.18 C-TH, COMMERCIAL TOWNHOUSE DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.18.7 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
is designated "low" residential (one through 10 units per acre) on the General Land Use
Plan the wall shall be a minimum height of six feet. When parking is provided at or above
grade within a structure, a facade treatment shall be provided for the parking area which
is consistent, in terms of materials, with the building facade.
D. Trash collection and storage areas shall be provided inside the principal structure or in a
designated area outside the structure which is screened by a brick wall or a masonry wall
of similar material as the building and which is a minimum of six feet in height.
Physical requirements
Buildings shall have exterior physical characteristics that are compatible with and generally
similar to residential townhouses in bulk, placement, exterior materials and other external
characteristics. Building facades should be of materials commonly used for residential
structures such as brick, wood, stone, stucco or other natural finish materials.
Proffers
See §15.3.4.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.19 C-3, GENERAL COMMERC IAL DISTRICT
§7.19.1 PURPOSE
§7.19. C-3, General Commercial District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-3, General Commercial District is to provide for the category of retail uses
found in the C-1 and C-2 districts and to provide for additional intensity of use, density and
height.
Uses
Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District

Properties that are located in the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District may be
developed in accordance with §11.1, CP-FBC district. After such development all uses
permitted in §11.1 shall be permitted on the property, subject to all regulations in §11.1.
Clarendon Revitalization District

Properties in the Clarendon Revitalization District shall additionally comply with the
requirements of §9.2 and may optionally develop under the provisions of §10.2.5.

A. By-right
Hotel
Lot area 6,000 -- --
Lot area per dwelling unit 6,000 -- --
Lot area per sleeping unit -- 600 --
Lot width (feet) 60 --
B. Floor area 1
Maximum floor area in this district shall not exceed the number of square feet that results
from compliance with the requirements stated in the ordinance with no less than nine
feet between floors, except by site plan as provided in §9.2.2.D.
C. Exceptions
1. Height
Additional height may be approved by site plan as provided in §9.2.2.D.
2. [Reserved]
D. Bulk coverage and placement


§7.19 C-3, GENERAL COMMERC IAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.19.7 ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS
A. Landscaping
the requirements of §14.2, Landscaping, except by site plan as provided in §9.2.2.D:
1. For all property except within the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General
Land Use Plan, with the approval of the zoning administrator, a portion of the public
right-of-way may be used to meet this landscaping requirement if the streetscape
improvements comply with adopted plans and provided that all aerial utilities on and
at the periphery of the lot shall be undergrounded with new development or
redevelopment.
2. For properties within the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use
Plan, the provisions of §9.2.2.C may apply.
B. Parking
Additional regulations
All utility service on a lot where new development or redevelopment is placed shall be placed
underground.

ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS §7.20 C-R, COMMERCIAL REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
§7.20.1 PURPOSE
§7.20. C-R, Commercial Redevelopment District

Purpose
The purpose of the C-R, Commercial Redevelopment District is to encourage medium density
mixed use development; to recognize existing commercial rights; and to provide tapering of
heights between higher density office development and lower density residential uses. The
district is designed for use within one quarter mile of the Metrorail stations on property
designated Medium Density Mixed Use on the General Land Use Plan.
Uses

A. By-right
Development by-right in the C-R district shall comply with the following standards, except
as otherwise expressly allowed or stated.
One-family Other All Other
Hotel
Type of Standard Dwellings Residential Uses
Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 6,000 20,000 20,000 20,000
Lot area per sleeping or living 600
unit
Lot width, minimum (sq. ft.) 60 -- --
55 (exclusive 55 (exclusive 55 (exclusive
Height, maximum (feet) 35 of mechanical of mechanical of mechanical
penthouses) penthouse) penthouses)
Floor area ratio, maximum -- 4.0 3.0 3.0
B. Height
1. When a structure is greater than 165 feet from a R or RA district, height may be
increased by one foot for every three feet beyond 165 feet, up to a maximum height
of 110 feet.
2. For properties which front on a primary arterial and are also within 750 feet of a
primary Metro entrance, building heights may be increased to 75 feet for the first 75
feet of property measured from the property line fronting on the primary arterial,
even if the properties lie within 165 feet of an R or RA zoning district.
3. All equipment above the roof line shall be screened from view by walls of equal height
and similar materials, set back a distance equal to their height from the building edge
and height limit line and shall not exceed 18 feet.
4. Any building in the Clarendon Revitalization District which fronts on Wilson Boulevard,
North Highland Street, or Clarendon Boulevard shall comply with the following height
and placement provisions:
(a) The front building wall of any development shall be placed against the back of the
sidewalk as established by the Clarendon Streetscape Standards adopted by the
County Board up to a height of at least 20 feet and no more than 30 feet above the
sidewalk level. The building above this height shall be set back a minimum of 20
feet from the back of sidewalk, unless otherwise approved by site plan.

§7.20 C-R, COMMERCIAL REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
C. Floor area
1. Consistent with the provisions of this section, the gross floor area permitted shall not
exceed the site area multiplied by 3.0. An additional 1.0 F.A.R. is permitted for
residential use.
2. When a development preserves a building or building facade designated as a
contributing building eligible for preservation in an adopted revitalization district, the
office density may be increased by 0.25 F.A.R. when the preservation complies with
the following standards:
(a) The preservation retains a minimum 20 foot depth of the existing building or
building facade;
(b) The preservation retains the facades of all buildings identified as appropriate for
preservation in the district which are included in the site and abutting each other
within a single block frontage; and
(c) The preservation retains and rehabilitates in a manner which complies with the
standards set forth in §7.20.8.C.6 , below; at a minimum, all facades fronting on
F
existing public rights-of-way.

D. Coverage
No building or structure, including accessory buildings, and all areas for parking,
driveways, maneuvering and loading space, unless specified under site plan approval in
accordance with the standards set forth in §7.20.8.C, shall cover more than:
1. 80 percent of the lot area on those portions of blocks that have a height limit of 75 or
fewer feet.
2. 65 percent of the lot area on those portions of blocks that have a height limit of more
than 75 feet.
3. When a development preserves a building or building facade designated as a
contributing building eligible for preservation in an adopted revitalization district, and
in accordance with the standards set forth in §7.20.8, the open space requirement
may be reduced by the area of the first floor of the building being preserved.
E. Special exception
Development by special exception in the C-R district shall comply with the following
standards, except as otherwise approved by the County Board.

Lot area, minimum (sq. ft.) 20,000
Lot width, minimum (sq. ft.) --
As Specified
Floor area ratio
In §7.20.8.A
F. Bulk, coverage and placement



Use standards applicable to specific uses in the C-R district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking requirements
1. One parking space for each 580 sq. ft. of gross floor area. The ratio of compact to full
size automobile spaces shall not exceed 15 percent for each. One parking space for
each dwelling unit.
2. Surface parking shall not be allowed except for convenience retail, or service
commercial. Required parking for townhouse residential may be surface parking.
Such parking shall be screened from public plaza areas, public sidewalks, and abutting
sites by landscaping and a four-foot masonry wall of similar materials as to the
principal structure. Parking for commercial uses shall not be located across the street
from or abutting a "low" or "low medium" residential General Land Use Plan
designation.
B. Landscaping
15 percent of the total site is required to be landscaped open space in accordance with
the requirements of §14.2, Landscaping, and the Clarendon Streetscape Plan Standards.
Streetscape
A. The periphery of any site fronting on public rights-of-way shall be landscaped by the
provision of curb, gutter, sidewalk, street light, street furniture and other elements, from
face-of-curb to face-of-building according to the adopted Clarendon Streetscape Plan
standards set forth in the "Urban Design Section" of the Clarendon Sector Plan; provided,
however, that with site plan approval as specified in §7.20.8.C, or with the approval of the
zoning administrator, a portion of the public right-of-way may be used to provide the area
needed to fulfill these requirements.
B. All aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the site shall be placed underground with
redevelopment or new construction.
Physical requirements
Buildings across the street from or abutting areas designated on the General Land Use Plan as
"low" or "low medium" residential shall have an exterior appearance that is compatible with
residential uses in bulk, coverage, and placement. In addition, other external characteristics
such as building materials should be similar.
Site plans
The County Board may approve site plans, as specified in §15.5, and may vary the requirements
of §7.20.3, §7.20.5.A, §7.20.5.B, §7.20.6, and §7.20.7. Under site plans, the following
regulations shall apply unless modified by the County Board:

§7.20 C-R, COMMERCIAL REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ARTICLE 7. COMMERCIAL/ MIXED USE (C) DISTRICTS
§7.20.8 SITE PLANS
A. Floor area ratio

1. Except as modified by the County Board in accordance with §15.5. The following sets
forth the maximum densities which may be approved:
178F
Site Area (sq. ft.) Total F.A.R. Office F.A.R.

20,000-29,999 2.0 2.0
30,000-39,999 3.0 3.0
40,000 and above or full block 4.0 3.0
2. In addition, to encourage appropriate consolidation of property for site plans (that

include an entire block), an additional 0.25 F.A.R. office may be approved and the
residential density may be reduced to 0.75 F.A.R.
B. Height
The by-right height and tapering requirements may be modified by the County Board in
accordance with §15.5. In addition, when a site plan preserves a building which is
designated as a contributing building eligible for preservation in an adopted revitalization
district and in accordance with §7.20.3, the height and taper requirements set forth in
§7.20.3 may be modified by the County Board. Under no circumstances shall the height of
any building exceed 125 feet and under no circumstances shall a mechanical penthouse
height extend more than 15 feet above the 125-foot height limit.
C. Urban design
All site plans must comply with the following design requirements unless otherwise
approved by the County Board:
1. The first floor of every office building shall contain retail space equal to 75 percent of
the gross leasable floor area. This retail space shall have direct access through
openings directly on the sidewalk.
2. When the following retail uses are provided in any building, they may be counted at
200 percent of their actual floor area to calculate their requirement for retail with the
remaining area available for all retail uses allowed in C-2 and/or other office uses: art
gallery, bakery, barber shop or beauty shop, bookstore, delicatessen, dry cleaner, drug
store, grocery store, convenience store, gourmet food store, hobby shop, ice cream
store, meat or fish market, newsstand, restaurant, shoe repair, and tailor, milliners .
In addition, when a development relocates an existing retail use from a site within the
Clarendon Revitalization District, the retail use may be counted as 200 percent of its
actual floor area to calculate the requirement for retail. In order to replace a use
which qualifies to be counted at 200 percent of the actual floor area requirement with
a use which does not qualify to be counted at 200 percent of the actual floor area
requirement, a site plan amendment will be required.
3. When a site plan is approved under these provisions, storage space equal to 50
percent of the retail gross floor area provided on the first floor may be provided in the
basement and it shall not be required to be counted as floor area subject to the F.A.R.
limitations of the district. This space shall be limited to storage and shall never be
converted to any other use.
4. All development proposals shall comply with the urban design standards set forth in
the Clarendon Sector Plan.

§7.20.8 SITE PLANS
5. Open space shall comply with the requirements set forth in §7.20.3.D, except that by
site plan approval the open space requirement may be reduced on a site when the
site plan meets all other design standards set forth in the appropriate sector plan, if
the developer satisfies the open space requirement by providing open space off-site in
the Clarendon Revitalization District or in an abutting area designated by the county
as appropriate for open space as shown on the General Land Use Plan.
6. When a development preserves an existing building or building facade, the
rehabilitation and new development shall be compatible with the existing building in
terms of material color and texture, size and orientation of doors and windows, and
cornice lines.
D. Parking
Parking for any use covered by site plan shall be as set forth in §7.20.5.A, except as
follows:
1. When a building or building facade which has been identified as a contributing
building eligible for preservation in an adopted revitalization district is preserved in
accordance with the standards set forth in §7.20.3.C.2, the parking requirement may
be reduced by an area equal to the gross floor area of the building being preserved for
as many levels as the garage is constructed.
2. Parking for retail uses shall comply with the requirements set forth in §7.20.5.A,
except where §14.3 provides specific relief. The parking for retail uses shall be
provided on the first level of the garage and shall be available for short-term parking
during the hours which the retail uses are open unless sufficient surface parking has
been allowed on the site.
3. For buildings which include frontage on special retail streets as designated in any
sector plan, surface parking spaces may be provided in accordance with the design
standards set forth in the sector plan. The number of spaces required to be provided
in the garage may then be reduced by the number of spaces which are provided on
the surface. This parking may count toward the open space requirement.

Article 8. Industrial (M) Districts
§8.1. Industrial (M) Districts Use Tables
General
The use tables of this section list all uses allowed within M districts, and is subject to the
Industrial (M) districts principal use table

Table §8.1.2 lists the principal uses allowed within the M districts.
A. Permitted uses
uses.
D. Uses not allowed
E. Use standards

§8.1 INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS USE TABLES ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS
§8.1.2 INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTR ICTS PRINCIPAL USE T ABLE

§12.10.
G. Use categories
use categories.
INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
Use
M-1
M-2
CM
Household
Living All household living uses
(See §12.2.3.A)
Group Group homes U U U §12.3.6
Living Dormitories U U U §12.3.3
(See §12.2.3.B) Fraternity and sorority houses U U U §12.3.5
Colleges
All college uses U U U
(§12.2.4.A)
Community centers U U U
Community Community swimming pools U U U
Service Libraries U U U
(See §12.2.4.B) Museums, and art galleries or studios U U U
Recreation centers U U U §12.4.6
Day Care Child care centers U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.C) All other day care uses U U U
Schools
Schools, elementary, middle and high U U U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.I)
Governmental
Facilities Fire or police station P P P
(See §12.2.4.D)
Hospital
Hospitals U U U §12.4.2
(See §12.2.4.E)
Country clubs and golf courses U U U
Parks and
Open Space Parks, playgrounds and playfields U U U
(See §12.2.4.F)
Passenger Airports and aircraft landing fields U U U
Terminals and
Services Railroad, trolley, bus, air, or boat passenger stations U U U §12.4.10
(See §12.2.4.G)
Religious
Institutions Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples P P P
(See §12.2.4.H)
Social Service
Institutions All social service institutions except those of a corrective nature U U U
(See §12.2.4.J)
Public utility service yard or electrical receiving or transforming station P P P §12.6.5
Utilities, major
Railroads and railroad right-of-way and tracks P P
(See §12.2.4.K)
Wastewater treatment plants P P

ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS §8.1 INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS USE TABLES

Use
M-1
M-2
CM
Bus shelters; bike share stations U U U
Utilities, minor
Wastewater pump station P P
(See §12.2.4.K)
All other minor utilities P P P
Food delivery services U U U
Food Catering establishment, small scale P P P
Establishments
(See §12.2.5.B) Restaurant, general P P P §12.5.22
Restaurant, limited P P P §12.5.23
Game arcades U U U
Entertainment
Membership clubs and lodges U U U §12.5.13
(See §12.2.5.A)
All other entertainment uses P P P §12.5.7
Entertainment,
Outdoor
(See §12.2.5.A)
Audio-visual production studio U U U
College operated as a commercial enterprise P P P
Office Financial services P P P
(See §12.2.5.C) Office, business or professional P P P
Offices or clinics, medical or dental P P P
Offices, federal, state and local P P P
Overnight
Accommodations Hotels or motels P P
(See §12.2.5.D)
Parking,
P P P
Commercial All commercial parking §12.5.4
U U U
(See §12.2.5.E)
Recreation, indoor Bowling alley U U U
(See §12.2.5.F.2(a) Skating rink 184F U U U
Swimming pool P P P
Tennis, racquet or handball courts185F U U U
All other indoor recreation uses U U U
Recreation, outdoor Miniature golf courses U U U
(See §12.2.5.F.2(b) Swimming pools U U U
Skating rink
184F U U U
Tennis, racquet or handball courts185F U U U
Drug store P P P §12.5.5
Florist or gift shop P P P §12.5.8
Grocery store P P P §12.5.10
Retail Sales (See Kiosks U U U §12.5.12
§12.2.5.G.2(a)) Large-format retail establishments U U U
Nursery, flower or plant store P P P §12.5.15
Open air markets U U U §12.5.17
All other retail sales uses P P P
Animal care facilities, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals P P P §12.5.2
Retail, Personal Dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromat P P P §12.5.6
Service (See Kennels P P P §12.6.4
§12.2.5.G.2(b)) Mortuaries and funeral homes U U U §12.5.14
Private postal service P P P §12.5.18


Use
M-1
M-2
CM
All other retail personal service uses P P P §12.5.20
Retail, Repair (See Upholstery shops P P P §12.5.26
§12.2.5.G.2(c)) All other retail repair uses P P P
Self-service
Storage All self-storage uses P P P §12.5.25
(See §12.2.5.H)
Car wash U U U
Vehicle Sales Vehicle body shop P P P §12.5.27
and Service P P P
(See §12.2.5.I) Vehicle sales, rental, or leasing facilities §12.5.29
U U U
Vehicle service establishment U U U §12.5.27
Contractors and others who perform services off-site, but store equipment and materials or
P P P
perform fabrication or similar work on-site
§12.6.2
Carpet and rug cleaning and dying works P P P
§12.6.4
Feed and fuel yard P P P §12.6.5
Manufacture or assembly of consumer equipment, instruments (including musical instruments),
Light Industrial P P P §12.6.4
appliances, precision items and other electrical items
Service Medical or dental laboratories P P P
(See §12.2.6.A)
Printing, publishing and lithography, small scale P P P
Research, testing and development laboratories P P P §12.6.4
Sign making P P P §12.6.9
Vehicle storage lots and towing services P P P §12.6.11
Welding, machine and tool repair shops P P P §12.6.4
Woodworking, including cabinet makers and furniture manufacturing P P P §12.6.5
Distribution plants, parcel delivery, ice and cold storage plant, bottling plant, and food
P P P
commissary or large scale catering establishments
Foundry P P P §12.6.3
Manufacturing Manufacturing of fish and meat products, sauerkraut or vinegar
and Production
Plumbing or sheet metal shops P P P §12.6.6
(See§12.2.6.B)
Printing, publishing and lithography, large scale P P P
Stone monument works P P P §12.6.10
All other manufacturing and production uses P P P §12.6.4
Asphalt processing and manufacture U
Heavy Concrete batching U P
Industrial
(See §12.2.6.C) Wrecking and salvage yards U §12.6.14
All other heavy industrial uses
Warehouse Mailing service, including bulk mailing P P P
and Freight Wholesale storage or warehouses P P P §12.6.4
Movement
(See §12.2.6.D) All other warehouse and freight movement uses
Waste-related Recycling centers U U U
Service Separation and disposal facilities, including incinerators P P
(See §12.2.6.E) Solid or liquid waste transfer P P
Storage or rental of machinery, equipment, heavy trucks, building supplies and lumber, special
Wholesale trade tools, welding supplies, machine parts, electrical supplies, janitorial supplies, restaurant P P P §12.6.5
Trade equipment and store fixtures
(See §12.2.6.F)
Building material sales yards P P P §12.6.1

ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS §8.1 INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS USE TABLES

Use
M-1
M-2
CM
Retail lumber yards P P P §12.6.8
All other wholesale trade uses P P P §12.6.13
Agriculture
All agricultural uses P P P §12.7.1
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource
Extraction All resource extraction uses
(See §12.2.7.B)
Tele-
communications
All telecommunications facilities U U U
Facilities
(§12.2.7.C)
Unclassified
(See §12.2.7.D)

§8.1.3 INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTR ICTS ACCESSORY USE T ABLE
Industrial (M) districts accessory use table

Accessory uses in Industrial (M) districts shall include the following uses, activities and
structures:
Use
M-1*
M-2*
CM*
Use Types Standards
KEY: P = allowed by-right; U = requires use permit approval; S = requires site plan approval; Blank cell = not
permitted
Caretaker residence P P P §12.3.2
Crematoriums U U U §12.9.6
Drive-through window U U U
Live entertainment and/or dancing U U U
Mortuaries and funeral homes U U U §12.9.14
P P P
Outdoor cafes §12.9.15
U U U
Poultry- or rabbit-killing incidental to a retail business on the same premises P P P §12.6.4
Private garage P P
Swimming pools, private P P P §12.9.17
Recreational vehicle or trailer parking P P P §12.9.16
Vehicle maintenance, routine P P P §12.9.18
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or inspected P P P §12.9.19

ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS §8.2 CM, LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
§8.2.1 PURPOSE
§8.2. CM, Limited Industrial District

Purpose
The purpose for the CM, Limited Industrial District is to provide areas for light manufacturing,
wholesale businesses and distribution centers and other uses inappropriate to residential or
service business areas.
Uses

A. General
All development in the CM district shall comply with the following standards, except as
All Other
Type of Standard Hotels Uses
Lot area per sleeping or guest unit 600 --
All other uses -- --
Lot width (feet) --
Height, maximum (feet) -- 45


Use standards applicable to specific uses in the CM district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Landscaping
B. Parking

§8.3 M-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS
§8.3.1 PURPOSE
§8.3. M-1, Light Industrial District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. General
All development in the M-1 district shall comply with the following standards, except as



Use standards applicable to specific uses in the M-1 district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking
B. [Reserved]

ARTICLE 8. INDUSTRIAL (M) DISTRICTS §8.4 M-2, SERVICE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
§8.4.1 PURPOSE
§8.4. M-2, Service Industrial District

Purpose
[Reserved]
Uses

A. General
All development in the M-2 district shall comply with the following standards, except as



Use standards applicable to specific uses in the M-2 district include:
A. [Reserved]

A. Parking
B. [Reserved]

Article 9. Special Planning Area Regulations
§9.1. Special Revitalization Districts
C-2 District
A. Applicability
The provisions of this §9.1.1 shall apply only in the C-2 district.
B. General
By site plan approval under §15.5 use regulations for areas designated as "Special
Revitalization Districts" on the General Land Use Plan may be modified under the
following conditions, and an additional F.A.R. of .5 may be allowed under the following
conditions applicable to such increases in density:
1. Height limit: No building, nor the enlargement of any building, shall exceed the height
standard in the revitalization area or six stories not including mechanical penthouses.
2. Density: The ratio of the total gross floor area of all uses, excluding one- and two-
family dwellings, to the total area of the site shall not exceed 1.5 to 1. A building
which has solely residential use above the second floor level shall be permitted to
have a residential F.A.R. of 1.5 and a first floor retail commercial use F.A.R. of up to .5.
Under no circumstances shall the total F.A.R. of such a building exceed 2.0.
3. The first floor of any office building shall be designed and used for retail commercial
uses. A plan specifying the proposed retail commercial uses shall be developed and
shall be consistent with the adopted plan for the "Special Revitalization District."
4. Automobile parking space is to be provided as required in §14.3, except that parking
may be reduced by site plan approval to no less than one off-street parking space per
one dwelling unit and one off-street parking space for each 580 sq. ft. of the total
office and retail gross floor area.
5. Screening walls and/or landscaping consistent with the goals and standards of the
adopted plan for the revitalization area shall be provided where a parking area abuts a
street, sidewalk, alley, or other public right-of-way and where a parking area abuts R
and RA districts.
6. Streetscape improvements consistent with the standards of the adopted "Special
Revitalization District" plan for the area shall be implemented on the periphery of the
site fronting on public right-of-way.
7. A coordinated sign plan shall be required. Standards for signs shall be those set forth
in the adopted "Special Revitalization District" plan for the area.
8. All aerial utilities in the public right-of-way at the periphery of the site and within the
site shall be placed underground.

§9.2 CLARENDON REVITALIZATION DISTRICT ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS
§9.2.1 PRESERVATION OF IDEN TIFIED STRUCTURES
§9.2. Clarendon Revitalization District

Preservation of identified structures
When a proposal located in the Clarendon Revitalization District as designated on the General
Land Use Plan preserves a structure identified for preservation in adopted policies for
Clarendon, and the County Board finds that the structure is preserved in accordance with such
adopted policies, then the County Board may approve an increase above the otherwise
allowable density as follows:
A. Referral to Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board
Prior to County Board approval, the county manager will send the project for review and
comment by the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board at least 45 days in advance
of a public hearing by the County Board, and the Review Board’s recommendation will be
considered by the County Board. The County Board shall determine whether the project
is consistent with the historic preservation objectives of the adopted policies.
B. Incentives
1. When an entire building is preserved, the project’s gross floor area may, by site plan
approval, be increased by an amount of up to 500 percent of the first 10,000 sq. ft. of
gross floor area preserved and up to 300 percent of any sq. ft. of gross floor area
preserved beyond 10,000 sq. ft.
2. When a building frontage or façade is preserved, the project’s gross floor area may be
increased by an amount of up to 500 percent of the sq. ft. of gross floor area
preserved. The sq. ft. of gross floor area preserved shall be calculated by multiplying
the linear feet of building façade or frontage preserved by the depth of preservation.
C. Step-back requirements
Unless the County Board finds, in a particular case, that a lesser step-back or no step-back
is more appropriate to ensure a contextually appropriate definition between a structure
identified for preservation in the Clarendon Sector Plan and new buildings, the
preservation of building frontages or facades shall provide a step-back of at least 20 feet
for frontages and 10 feet for facades, immediately above the preserved portion of the
project.
C-3 district
A. Applicability
The provisions of this section apply only in the C-3 district.
B. General requirements
In the Clarendon Revitalization District, as designated on the General Land Use Plan, the
following additional provisions shall apply:
1. Treatment along major streets
Structures along Wilson Boulevard, Clarendon Boulevard, 10th Street North,
Washington Boulevard, 13th Street North and Fairfax Drive (together referred to in this
Article 9 as “major streets”) shall contain functioning entry doors at least every 50
linear feet along the building façade.

ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS §9.2 CLARENDON REVITALIZATION DISTRICT
§9.2.2 C-3 DISTRICT
2. Parking along major streets

Above-ground parking structures or surface parking within 120 feet of the center line
of major streets shall be located behind a structure containing other uses for the
entire height of the parking structure, such that the parking or parking structure is not
visible from the frontage of the property along that street. Entrances and exits to
parking lots or parking structure on major streets shall be allowed only where the
zoning administrator determines that the only frontage(s) reasonably available for
such entrance or exit is on a Major Street. When a parking structure is accessed from
a Non-Major Street only, the zoning administrator may approve a decreased setback
from a Major Street where such decrease will allow for adequate space to access the
parking structure above the first floor.
3. Parking structures along non-major streets
Along non-major streets, except as alleys, North Ivy Street, 12th Street North and 10th
Road North, any parking structure’s ground floor shall be located behind a structure
containing other uses, such that the first-floor of the parking structure is not visible
from such street and its associated sidewalks. Any parking structure above the first
floor that is visible from a Non-Major Street shall have all openings screened along the
entire façade of such structure. Screening techniques may include the use of display
windows, decorative grillwork, decorative glass, decorative masonry or a combination
of these methods, or similar methods so as to ensure that vehicles within the
structure are screened from the view of cars and pedestrians along non-major streets
and their associated sidewalks. Interruptions to this screening method are allowed to
accommodate vehicular and/or pedestrian access. Parking structures along alleys and
along North Ivy Street, 12th Street North and 10th Road North are not required to be
placed behind other uses on the first floor. However, parking along these streets shall
be screened on all floors using the screening techniques listed above.
4. Surface parking along non-major streets
Surface parking shall be screened as required in §14.2.3.E, except that any surface
parking lot facing a public rights-of-way (where no structure containing a use is
between the right-of-way and the parking) shall incorporate a landscape strip as
specified in §14.2.3.E.1, such landscape strip shall be a minimum of five feet wide,
placed at the back of the required sidewalk along that right-of-way. In addition, any
such parking area shall be screened by a masonry wall of a minimum of 42 inches and
48 inches tall (measured as described in §14.2.3.E.2), which shall be placed along the
outer edge of the parking area, and which may extend no closer to the right-of-way
than the distance specified in §3.2.5.A.1(c). This wall shall be designed to partially
screen vehicles from pedestrian view from abutting sidewalks and to provide
separation between pedestrians, and parking areas. Reasonable interruptions to this
wall are allowed to accommodate vehicular access. Breaks in the masonry wall shall
be allowed for pedestrian access but each break shall be a maximum of 48 inches
wide. In addition, any vehicular access to a surface parking lot shall include sidewalks,
a minimum of four feet wide, along each side of the driveway to permit pedestrian
access from the street frontage into the parking lot.

C. Landscaping requirements
1. For properties within the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use
Plan, the following may apply:
(a) Where a developer has entered into a binding commitment to construct
streetscape improvements according to the county’s adopted plans and to place all
aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the lot underground as part of new
development or redevelopment, then the 10 percent landscaping requirement may
be reduced to eight percent. The zoning administrator’s approval for such a
reduction shall not waive the landscape strip required in §9.2.2.B.4; or
(b) Where a developer has entered into a binding commitment to construct
streetscape improvements according to the county’s adopted plans and to place all
aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the lot underground as part of new
development or redevelopment, the zoning administrator may approve use of a
portion of the public right-of-way for that purpose. In such a case, the 10 percent
landscaping requirement shall apply, without reduction, on private property; and
(c) Where a developer dedicates land to the county in fee, with no other
consideration, or in easement, in a form approved by the County Board, for a right-
of-way called for in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan within the
area of the “Clarendon Revitalization District” on the General Land Use Plan, the
zoning administrator may approve a reduction in the remaining landscape
requirement by the same number of square feet of land area as is dedicated to the
county.
D. Site plans
In areas designated "Medium Density Mixed Use" and located within the Clarendon
Revitalization District as designated on the General Land Use Plan, where the County
Board finds that a development proposal furthers the goals, policies, and
recommendations identified in the Clarendon Sector Plan, it may, in accordance with
§15.5, modify the requirements of §7.19.5 and §14.3, by site plan. The following
regulations shall apply unless otherwise modified by the County Board by site plan:
1. Density regulations
(a) The County Board may approve a density of up to 3.0 F.A.R. subject to the
Maximum Number of Floors shown on the Maximum Height Limits Map (§9.2.5,
Map 1).
(b) As provided in the Clarendon Sector Plan, the County Board may approve optional
increases in density above 3.0 F.A.R. pursuant to §15.5 by approving additional
floors subject to the Maximum Height (feet) on the Maximum Heights Limits Map
(§9.2.5, Map 1) and as described in subsection 4, below. Density approved
pursuant to §15.5.7.B shall only be density transferred to or received from other
sites within the Clarendon Revitalization District.
2. Area requirements
No minimum site area required.
3. Use mix regulations
The regulations of this subsection 3 shall apply to density of up to 3.0 F.A.R. as

approved by the County Board. Any additional density shall not be subject to these
restrictions:
(a) For sites designated as “Prime Office Sites” on the Use Mix Map (§9.2.6, Map 2), at
least 60 percent of the density shall consist of commercial uses. For the purpose of
this calculation, hotel uses will be counted as non-commercial uses.
(b) For sites designated “Residential, Commercial, Hotel, or Mixed Use – Minimum 20
percent Commercial” on the Use Mix Map (§9.2.6, Map 2), at least 20 percent of
the total density shall consist of commercial uses. For the purpose of this
calculation, hotel uses will be counted as commercial uses.
(c) For all sites in the Clarendon Revitalization District not covered by §9.2.2.D.3(a) and
§9.2.2.D.3(b), residential, commercial, hotel, retail, or a combination of those uses
shall be permitted.
(d) The following shall apply to all sites: ground floor retail that substantially complies
with the Frontage Type guidelines shall be provided where Retail Frontages are
designated on the Use Mix Map (§9.2.6, Map 2).
4. Height regulations
Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve a site plan that exceeds the
following overall height maximums:
(a) No building, except for mechanical penthouses, shall be erected to exceed 55 feet
in height, except as provided below.
(b) When a structure is farther than 165 feet from an R or RA district, the height may
be increased by one foot for every three feet beyond 165 feet, up to a maximum
height of 110 feet.
(c) Where the Maximum Heights Limit Map (§9.2.5, Map 1) shows heights greater than
heights allowed in subsections (a) and (b), above, the County Board may allow
additional height up to the maximum height shown on the Maximum Heights Limit
Map (§9.2.5, Map 1) and may permit additional height for those sites designated as
“Receiving Sites for Additional Height” on the Receiving Sites Map (§9.2.7, Map 3).
5. Coverage Requirements
Lot coverage as calculated for the property that is the subject of the special exception
shall be no greater than 80 percent unless one of the following applies:
(a) When a development preserves a building designated for preservation according to
the Building Preservation Map (§9.2.8, Map 4), and in accordance with the
standards set forth in §9.2.2.D.8(b), the area of the footprint of the structure being
preserved may be excluded from the coverage calculation; and
(b) Coverage may be increased by the amount of square footage of open space
provided off site in the “Clarendon Revitalization District” as designated on the
General Land Use Plan; and
(c) Where new streets are provided and dedicated as designated in the Master
Transportation Plan, coverage may be increased for the area of the street from face
of curb to face of curb; and

(d) Coverage may be increased on a site when the site plan meets other design
standards set forth in the Clarendon Sector Plan pursuant to §15.5.5.
6. Building placement and streetscape
(a) Any street frontage, including any new street as designated in the Master
Transportation Plan, shall be improved with streetscapes consistent with the
Streetscapes Map (§9.2.9, Map 5) and sidewalk design guidelines (§9.2.3, Table 1)
unless otherwise approved. The clear walkway zone (an unobstructed area serving
as circulation space for pedestrians) shall be maintained at a width no less than six
feet.
(b) New structures shall be built to the build-to line specified in the Build-To-Lines Map
(§9.2.10, Map 6) and shall be built to the build-to line for at least 75 percent of the
building line on each street frontage of the site. The location of the build-to line
will be based upon street cross-sections shown in the Clarendon Sector Plan as
follows: facades of new structures along a build-to line shall be composed as a
simple plane (limited jogs less than 24 inches are considered a simple plane within
this requirement) interrupted only by porches, stoops, bay windows, shop-fronts,
balconies, other entries to the building, café seating, or for compatibility with a
preserved structure.
(c) All aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the site shall be placed underground
with redevelopment or new construction.
7. Parking requirements
(a) Except as set forth in subsections (1), (2), and (3) below, one parking space for each
dwelling unit and one parking space for each 580 square feet of gross floor area not
part of a dwelling unit, and 0.7 parking space for each guest room.
(b) When buildings which have been identified as contributing buildings eligible for
preservation in the Clarendon Sector Plan are preserved in accordance with the
standards set forth in that Plan, the above parking requirement may be reduced as
follows:
(1) If a building identified for full preservation is preserved, the number of
parking spaces provided for the gross floor area preserved may equal the
lesser of either the “Estimated Parking Spaces” specified in §9.2.4, Table 2,
or the amount otherwise required.
(2) If a building identified for partial preservation is preserved, the number of
parking spaces provided for the gross floor area preserved shall equal the
number of “Estimated Parking Spaces” specified in §9.2.4, Table 2, prorated
by the ratio between the floor area preserved and the floor area of the
original building.
(3) If a building identified for partial preservation is preserved beyond that
identified in the Clarendon Sector Plan, the County Board may further
reduce parking requirements for the gross floor area preserved equal to the
lesser of the pro-rated amount based on the ratio between the floor area
preserved and the floor area of the original building or the amount
otherwise required.

(4) The County Board may further reduce parking requirements for preserved
structures where an applicant demonstrates that the number of parking
spaces specified in §9.2.4 Table 2, is greater than the number of spaces
owned by the preserved structure on December 31, 2006.
(5) Parking for retail uses shall comply with the requirements set forth above,
or the requirements of §14.3, whichever are less stringent.
(6) The County Board may allow up to 100 percent of parking requirements to
be met off-site for sites smaller than 20,000 square feet if the County Board
determines that on-site parking is not feasible due to site constraints, access
limitation or other factors, and required parking can be provided within
1000 linear feet of the subject property with assurances that such parking
will remain available for the duration of the approved plan.
(c) Parking shall be provided as specified and regulated in §14.3, unless otherwise
provided for in §9.1.3.A.7(a), above.
(d) To ensure the availability of short term and shared parking for use by visitors,
clients and retail patrons in the “Clarendon Revitalization District,” a parking
management plan (PMP) shall be required and shall include provisions for shared
parking consistent with recommendations in the Clarendon Sector Plan. The
allocation of shared spaces may be provided out of the total building parking
requirement if appropriate provisions are made in the PMP for such shared use, on
terms acceptable to the County Board at the time of approval.
8. Design requirements
All site plans shall comply with the following design requirements unless otherwise
approved by the County Board:
(a) Buildings including, without limitation, facades and ground floor ceiling heights,
shall be designed in a manner consistent with the frontage type guidelines set forth
in the Clarendon Sector Plan, except for those buildings designated for full or
partial preservation.
(b) When a site includes a structure identified for preservation in the Clarendon Sector
Plan, the structure shall be preserved in a manner consistent with the Clarendon
Sector Plan, other regulations set forth in this district, and regulations set forth in
§9.2.1. New development within the site shall be compatible with the existing
structures in terms of material color and texture, size and fenestration of doors and
windows, and cornice lines.
(c) Off-street parking entrances/exits and loading areas are to be provided as required
in §14.3, except that these areas will be located only in areas designated for Service
frontages as designated on the Frontage Types Map (§9.2.11, Map 7). If a site does
not include any site area designated for Service frontage, the County Board may
approve an alternate location for service and/or parking entrances/exits that
balances the following considerations:
(1) Proposed location limits pedestrian and vehicle conflicts;
(2) Project as designed maximizes the site’s potential for pedestrian street
activation along major pedestrian routes; and

(3) Project is designed to maximize consolidation of loading and/or vehicular

entrances with other properties on the same block.
(d) All equipment above the roofline shall be screened from view by walls of equal
height and materials similar to the facades of the building, set back a distance at
least equal to their height from the building edge and height limit line and shall not
exceed 18 feet.
(e) Where retail space is located on the ground floor, such space shall be designed and
constructed with a Structural Clear Height (the space bounded by the top of one
slab, or other structural portion of one floor, and the bottom of the next slab, or
structural portion of a floor) of at least 15 feet, except where the County Board
finds that such Structural Clear Height would adversely affect the historical aspects
of a building designated for full or partial preservation.
(f) When a building exceeds 60 feet in height, a single step-back of at least 20 feet
shall be implemented beginning on the third, fourth or fifth floor, on frontages
designated for step-backs on the Step-Backs Map (§9.2.12, Map 8), except as
provided below.
(1) The County Board may approve modifications to the depth of the step-back
on sites smaller than 20,000 square feet if the County Board determines
that a 20-foot step-back is not feasible due to the shape or configuration of
the site.
(2) For projects that achieve full building preservation and for which step-backs
are otherwise required, the County Board may consider and approve
alternative step-back designs, pursuant to §9.2.1.
(3) All projects in the “Clarendon Revitalization District” that include façade or
frontage preservation but not full building preservation, shall be stepped
back at least 10 feet for a façade and 20 feet for a frontage, immediately
above the preserved structure, unless modified by the County Board
pursuant to §9.2.1.
(g) Mezzanine space may be approved by the County Board when it finds that:
(1) Mezzanine is incidental to a retail or restaurant use with which it is
associated and will contribute to the marketability and viability of the retail
or restaurant use; and
(2) The mezzanine will not adversely affect transparency or fenestration as
called for in the Clarendon Sector Plan or reduce the open space between
the floor and the ceiling of the ground-floor space to less than 12 feet.
(h) Mezzanines may be considered “incidental” if the square footage of mezzanine is
no more than 2/3 of the square footage of the ground-floor retail and/or
restaurant use to which it is incidental.

§9.2.3 TABLE 1, SIDEWALK DESIGN GUIDELINES
Table 1, Sidewalk design guidelines

Standard Type
Total streetscape width 20’ 18’ 14’ 12’
Clear walkway zone (minimum width
although pinch points at a minimum of 6 ft.
14’ 12’ 8’
clear width will be permitted to
(may be reduced to (may be reduced to (may be reduced to
accommodate building preservation and 6’
6’ to accommodate 6’ to accommodate 6’ to accommodate
café space, however, at least 6’ minimum
café/shy zone) café/shy zone) café/shy zone)
clear width should abut preserved historic
structures
Tree and furniture zone (includes 8’ brick
band, soldier course between back of curb 6’
and tree pit, or other suitable material
see stoop/ landscape
Café/Shy Zone 6’ 6’ 2’
zone
6’ for urban residential
Stoop/landscape zone n/a
frontage type
Paving material and concrete curb concrete w/contemporary materials outside of clear walkway zone Concrete
Tree pit size 5’ x 12’ minimum
Continuous planting/utility strip n/a Permitted
double with 16’
poles on main
Light fixture – Carlisle light (single pole or double with 16’ single with 12’
streets, single with single with 12’ poles
double pole) poles poles
12’ poles on
secondary streets
Utilities (all underground and/or along rear
Yes
lot line
Crosswalks Thermoplastic markings (ladder)
Street tree species See Map 34
30’ on center, coordinated with street light spacing, generally no closer than 12’ from street
Street tree spacing (average)
trees
4-6” caliper/16-30’ 4-6” caliper/16-30’ 4-6” caliper/16-30’
4-6” caliper/16-30’ tall
Street tree size – major deciduous trees tall at time of tall at time of tall at time of
at time of planting
planting planting planting
Notes:
1 See Rosslyn Ballston Corridor Streetscape Standards (updated 2004 or most recent update) for additional details and methods
2 Streetscape exemptions may apply only to frontages directly abutting structures called for historic preservation; all other streetscape
areas should be consistent with the streetscape standards.

§9.2.4 TABLE 2, PARKING SPACES ASSOCIATED WITH STRUCTURES RECOMMENDED FOR PRESERVATION
Table 2, Parking Spaces Associated with Structures Recommended for Preservation

Estimated
Parking Approximate Parking
Block Building(s) Address Spaces Area (sq. ft.)
1 Meat Market Building 2719 Wilson Boulevard 27 6,500
1 Bike/Garden Shop Building 2727-31 Wilson Boulevard 5 1,300
2 NTB Building 2825 Wilson Boulevard 35 14,750
3 All Buildings 2901-25 Wilson Boulevard 40 12,000
12 All Buildings 3201-26 Washington Boulevard 6 1,150
18 Clarendon Citizens Hall Building 3211 Wilson Boulevard 5 2,400
19 Kirby Garage Building 3237 Wilson Boulevard 8 5,700
24 USPS 1020 N. Highland St 2 470
27 All Buildings 3016-28 Wilson Boulevard 0 0
30 Leadership Building 1101 N. Highland Street 0 0
Notes:
1 Existing spaces as counted through 12/31/2006
2 The existing estimated parking spaces may or may not conform with existing zoning. Where existing spaces are nonconforming, the
existing approximate parking area may be used in determining the preferred number of spaces within a conforming parking layout as part
of the proposed redevelopment. [Source: Field survey conducted by Arlington County DES]

§9.2.5 MAP 1, MAXIMUM HEIGHT LIMIT
Map 1, Maximum height limit

§9.2.6 MAP 2, USE MIX
Map 2, Use mix

§9.2.7 MAP 3, RECEIVING SIT ES
Map 3, Receiving sites

§9.2.8 MAP 4, BUILDING PRESERVATION
Map 4, Building preservation

§9.2.9 MAP 5, STREETSCAPES
Map 5, Streetscapes

§9.2.10 MAP 6, BUILD-TO LINES
Map 6, Build-to lines

§9.2.11 MAP 7, FRONTAGE TYPES
Map 7, Frontage types

§9.2.12 MAP 8, STEP-BACKS
Map 8, Step-backs

ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS §9.3 FORT MYER HEIGHTS NORTH SPECIAL DISTRICT
§9.3.1 FLOOR AREA RATIO
§9.3. Fort Myer Heights North Special District

When a site within the area designated as the Fort Myer Heights North Special District on the General
Land Use Plan and within the RA8-18 or RA6-15 district is sought to be used in a manner consistent with
the purposes of the Fort Myer Heights North Plan, and subject to the provisions hereafter set forth then,
by special exception site plan approval pursuant to §15.5, development may be permitted at up to 3.24
F.A.R. in the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan. The County Board may approve site plans
within the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan where the goals recommended in the Plan for
that site are addressed, including, as applicable, the affordable housing contribution recommended in
the Plan, the historic buildings identified for preservation in the Plan, and such other buildings as the
County Board may identify as worthy of historic preservation, with their surrounding open spaces, the
provision of the public open spaces identified in the Plan, and the preservation of significant trees
identified in the Plan or their replacement in accordance with the county’s tree replacement guidelines.
Floor area ratio

A site plan project in the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan may exceed 3.24 F.A.R.
with bonus density for achieving goals consistent with the intent of the Plan, such as LEED,
provided that development is consistent with the design guidelines, including building height
maximums, and where it furthers the purposes of the Plan.
Building height
Building heights shall be consistent with the heights recommended in the Plan. Building
heights approved by site plan in the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan shall under no
circumstances exceed 12 stories or 125 feet, exclusive of mechanical penthouses. Mechanical
penthouses shall be minimized in terms of height, bulk and visual appearance and shall under
no circumstances exceed 16 feet.
Affordable dwelling units

The County Board may approve a site plan project where the proposal designates 20 percent of
the G.F.A. that is above the General Land Use Plan maximum as affordable, in addition to
meeting the requirements of the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance as outlined in
§15.5.8 for the proposed G.F.A. within the General Land Use Plan maximum, except as set forth
in §9.3.5.A.5. Units shall be considered affordable where they are committed for a 30 year
term, are affordable at 60 percent or less of the area median income and meet minimum
habitability standards established by the county.
Neighborhood-serving retail and other service uses

Neighborhood-serving retail and other service uses, such as a medical or dental office,
neighborhood delicatessen, dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromat, neighborhood-scale library
branch or small café and other uses as permitted and regulated in the C-1-R district may be
approved along Clarendon Boulevard, Fairfax Drive and at other primary intersections and/or
locations that experience significant pedestrian traffic should the County Board find they will
not adversely impact the neighborhood and will be otherwise appropriate.
Transfer of development rights

A. The transfer of development rights in accordance with §15.5.7.B is permitted for historic
preservation, open space and affordable housing purposes for sending sites specifically
identified in the Plan and located in the “Conservation Area” designated in the Plan,

§9.3 FORT MYER HEIGHTS NORTH SPECIAL DISTRICT ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS
§9.3.5 TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
subject to the following provisions. Additional sending sites that are located within the
“conservation area” designated in the Plan may be approved by the County Board.
1. For the purposes of calculating F.A.R. in the Fort Myer Heights North Special District,
an average unit size of 1,000 square feet shall be assumed.
2. The County Board may approve a transfer of development rights in the amount of up
to three times the first 10,000 square feet of a preserved historic building and up to
two times the density of the remaining square footage in return for an easement to
preserve the historic property in perpetuity, which easement includes an agreement
to rehabilitate the property if the County Board determines that rehabilitation is
necessary for preservation and to maintain it in good condition; and a commitment to
maintain the open space surrounding the historic building in a manner consistent with
the Plan.
3. If, in addition to meeting the preservation and rehabilitation requirements outlined
above, 10 percent or more of the units in the subject building are proposed to be
committed for a 30 year term affordable at 60 percent or less of the area median
income and to meet minimum habitability standards established by the county, the
County Board may approve a transfer of development rights in the amount of up to an
additional two times the density of the first 10,000 square feet of the preserved
building and up to an additional one times the remaining density for a total of up to
five times the density of the first 10,000 square feet of the preserved building and up
to three times the density of the remaining square footage. If additional units are
committed as affordable, the County Board may increase proportionally the
aforementioned multipliers at its discretion.
4. In order to achieve the goals of the Plan, it is preferred that density be transferred to
sites within the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan, provided that
development using such density is consistent with the design guidelines, including
building height maximums, and the purposes of the Plan. Receiving sites will be
expected to meet, on-site, the aforementioned affordable housing requirements for
all sites developed per the site plan process, except that the County Board may modify
the requirement that 20 percent of the G.F.A. over the General Land Use Plan
maximum be designated as affordable for that portion of the density transferred from
the “Conservation Area” designated in the Plan. The County Board may permit
receiving sites located within the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan to
exceed the Plan’s maximum density of 3.24 F.A.R. In such instances, receiving sites
that meet or exceed 3.24 F.A.R. will not be subject to the provisions of the Special
Affordable Housing Protection District regulations of the General Land Use Plan. 194F
5. The County Board may also approve the transfer of density to sites located elsewhere
in the county, with a preference for the Rosslyn or Courthouse Metro station Areas.
Receiving sites located outside the Fort Myer Heights North Special District that meet
or exceed 3.24 F.A.R. will remain subject to the provisions of the Special Affordable
Housing Protection District regulations of the General Land Use Plan. 195F
B. The County Board may also approve the transfer of development rights in accordance
with §15.5.7.B for historic preservation, open space preservation and affordable housing
purposes for sending sites located in the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan.
Sites located in the “Revitalization Area” designated in the Plan may transfer density to

ARTICLE 9. SPECIAL PLANNING AREA REGULATIONS §9.4 RADNOR HEIGHTS EAST SPECIAL DISTRICT
§9.3.5 TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
another site located within the “Revitalization Area” or to another site located outside the
Fort Myer Heights North Special District. In such instances, the provisions of §9.3.5.A.2
through §9.3.5.A.5, above, will not apply.
§9.4. Radnor Heights East Special District

When a site within the area designated as the Radnor Heights East Special District on the General Land
Use Plan is sought to be used in a manner inconsistent with the existing regulations for setback, yard,
coverage or parking, the County Board, in its discretion, may allow exceptions to those regulations after
application for site plan approval consistent with §15.5, in order to achieve a design which is appropriate
for the site, project, and the surrounding area and meets the standards for special exception site plan
approval set forth in §15.5. By site plan approval multiple-family dwellings may be permitted at
densities up to 48 dwelling units per acre.
§9.5. WESTERN ROSSLYN COORDINATED REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Where a development project in the C-O district is within the Western Rosslyn Coordinated
Redevelopment District and is designated High Office-Apartment-Hotel on the General Land Use Plan,
the County Board may permit additional height and density above that provided in §7.13.3.B, where it
finds that the development project is consistent with the Guiding Principles and other policy guidance
for the Western Rosslyn Coordinated Redevelopment District, offers certain features, design elements,
services, or amenities identified in the Western Rosslyn Area Plan, and meets the other special
exception criteria of the Zoning Ordinance, and subject to the following:
A. In considering such modification, the County Board may also consider characteristics of
the site and the area as described in §15.5.7 and the plans and policies adopted for the
area, provided, however, under no circumstances shall the application of the modification
of use provisions of §15.5.7 be applied to permit a density of more than 10.0 FAR;
B. The provisions of §15.5.9 for the approval of additional height and density shall not be
applicable to site plans approved under this §9.5; and
C. Building heights, exclusive of mechanical penthouses and parapet walls, shall under no
circumstances, exceed 270 feet, east of the North Pierce Street between Wilson Boulevard
and 18th St N., or 240 feet, west of North Pierce Street located between Wilson Boulevard
and 18th St N., as designated in the adopted Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.


Article 10. Unified Developments
§10.1. Unified Residential Developments
Purposes and intent
The purposes and intent of this §10.1 is to:
A. Provide for flexible, site-specific solutions for the development of one-family detached
dwellings in certain districts;
B. Implement the purposes of the general land use plan and the zoning ordinance;
C. Promote the compatibility of one-family residential developments with surrounding
neighborhoods by coordinating building forms, the bulk, scale and placement of new
buildings, and the relationship between buildings and structures within the development
and surrounding properties;
D. Provide pedestrian connectivity; and
E. Preserve natural land forms, irreplaceable historical features, and significant trees and
foliage.
Applicability
Unified Residential Developments shall be permitted subject to the following limitations.
District Minimum Site Area (sq. ft.) Frontage, Minimum (feet)
R-20 40,000 140
R-10 20,000 120
R-8 16,000 110
R-6 12,000 100
R-5 and R2-7 10,000 90
Minimum requirements
Any unified residential development shall comply with the zoning requirements applicable to
the site and the following requirements, unless the County Board, after it finds that such
modifications will better accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.1.1, modifies some of
those requirements by use permit, as permitted in §10.1.5:
A. Density
The maximum number of dwelling units shall be determined by the County Board,
depending on the design and configuration of the development, up to a maximum
number arrived at by dividing the site area, together with the area of any part of the site
to be dedicated for public right-of-way, by the required minimum lot area of the district
applicable to the site.
B. Minimum right-of-way width of internal streets
The streets which are located within the site and will be publicly dedicated shall have
rights-of-way and pavement widths as specified in Chapter 23, Subdivisions, of the County
Code. The minimum right-of-way width may be reduced to 40 feet and a pavement width
to 30 feet, by use permit approval, if the County Board finds that such modifications will
better accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.1.1 than would the development

§10.1 UNIFIED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS
§10.1.4 PIPE-STEM LOTS
without those modifications. Private streets shall be constructed to Arlington County

standards and shall be of sufficient width to serve the needs of the development.
C. Maximum site coverage: 50 percent
D. Minimum parking requirement
Two and one-half parking spaces per dwelling unit, at least one of which shall be off-
street, shall be provided.
E. Accessory buildings
Accessory buildings, such as garages or storage buildings, may be attached to other
accessory buildings along common lot lines by use permit approval.
Pipe-stem lots
A. Pipe-stem lots may only be created as part of a unified residential development pursuant
to §10.1. Development on pipe-stem lots shall satisfy all applicable zoning and subdivision
requirements, including those for minimum lot area, setback and yards, coverage, parking
and building height, and all the following requirements, unless otherwise modified by the
County Board, subject to approval of a use permit as provided in §15.4:
1. In a “stem” portion of any pipe-stem lot: any side yard shall satisfy the requirements
in §3.2.6.A.2.
2. In the “pipe” section of any pipe-stem lot: any side yard shall be a minimum of 25 feet
in depth.
B. Where no dwelling unit has been constructed on a pipe-stem lot that was recorded before
March 18, 2003, a one-family dwelling unit may be constructed by-right in accordance
with all applicable zoning requirement. Modification of these requirements may only be
made by the County Board, subject to use permit approval as provided in §15.4.
Modifications
The County Board may modify the minimum site size, up to a maximum of 10 percent, upon a
finding that, after the proposed modification, the subject development will still accomplish the
purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance for unified residential development; the area and
width of individual lots; any required setback and yard dimensions; site coverage; the number
and dimensions of parking spaces; and the height of main buildings by use permit if it finds that
such modifications will better accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.1 than would the
development without those modifications. Reduction of the minimum site size or lot size shall
not result in any greater density than would otherwise be permitted by the ordinance
provisions for unified residential development.
Procedure for unified residential development
A. Unified residential developments shall be permitted subject to approval of a use permit by

the County Board, as specified in §15.4.
B. An approved use permit for a unified residential development plan shall be modified or
amended by the County Board as specified in §15.4.
C. A preliminary plat shall be submitted at the time of application showing lot areas, lot
dimensions, and buildable areas, consistent with all zoning and subdivision requirements.

ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS §10.2 UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
§10.2.1 PURPOSES
§10.2. Unified Commercial/Mixed Use Development

Purposes
A. The purposes of this §10.2 are to:
1. Provide for flexible, site-specific solutions for the revitalization of existing shopping
areas while preserving commercial service levels, including, in certain circumstances,
new construction in C-2 and C-3 district to implement the purposes of the General
Land Use Plan and zoning ordinance;
2. Promote the compatibility of commercial developments within the commercial district
and surrounding properties by coordinating building placement, orientation, scale,
bulk, parking, signage, landscaping, streetscape, pedestrian facilities, and historical
features where applicable;
3. Provide for creative opportunities which encourage and retain local and small
business; and
4. Promote opportunities for affordable housing. Additionally, this §10.2 will provide for
the construction of residential units within C-2 and C-3 district and within the
Clarendon Revitalization District, also in C-1 and C-TH, as part of a mixed use
development, according to specific guidelines.
B. Where there is a sector plan or similar document that is at variance with or in conflict with
these requirements the County Board can modify the requirements as set forth in §10.2.2
to achieve a development that is more consistent with such plans.
Modifications
Any proposed unified commercial/mixed use development shall comply with the standards
below in §10.2.3, §10.2.4 or §10.2.5, and with any zoning requirements that are consistent with
those standards, unless through the use permit process, the County Board modifies such
standards or requirements after finding that such modifications will better accomplish the
purposes and intent of §10.2.1. Provided, however, that under no circumstances shall the
County Board modify the standards in §10.2.3 that pertain to the amount of residential density,
building height or density, and under no circumstances shall the County Board modify the
standards in §10.2.5 that pertain to the maximum building height (exclusive of mechanical
penthouses). Projects within the Nauck Village Center Special Revitalization District can be
approved pursuant to the requirements of §10.2.4, below.
Unified commercial/mixed use development not within Nauck Village

Center, Columbia Pike or Lee Highway-Cherrydale Special Revitalization districts or
within the Clarendon Revitalization district
The County Board may, by use permit approval, approve Unified Commercial/Mixed Use
developments in the C-2 and C-3 districts where such a development is not within the Nauck
Village Center Special Revitalization District, the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District,
the Lee Highway-Cherrydale Special Revitalization District or the Clarendon Revitalization
District and where the development meets the following requirements:
A. Use
Unified commercial/mixed use developments shall not include residential dwelling units,
unless a project contains a minimum of 0.4 F.A.R. of commercial or retail uses located on

§10.2 UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS
§10.2.3 UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT NOT WITHIN NAUCK VILLAGE CENTER, COLUMB IA PIKE OR
LEE HIGHWAY-CHERRYDALE SPECIAL REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS OR WITHIN THE CLARENDON REVITALIZATION DISTRICT
the first (ground) floor. Commercial or retail uses above 0.4 F.A.R. may be located on any
floor.
B. Placement and orientation
Buildings shall be sited to “build to” lines at the back of the sidewalk. At least 75 percent
of a building’s façade must abut the back of the sidewalk along any street designed as an
arterial in the Master Transportation Plan. Retail uses shall be oriented to streets
designated as either principal arterials or minor arterials in the Arlington Count Master
Transportation Plan. Where a development parcel is abutting an R district, all buildings
must be setback a minimum of 20 feet from the residential district.
C. Streetscape
The periphery of any site fronting on a public right-of-way shall be landscaped by the
provision of curb, gutter, sidewalk, street light, street furniture, street trees and other
elements, covering the entire area from face of curb to face of building. Sites within the
area of an applicable Sector Plan, Station Area Plan or Special Revitalization District Plan
shall have all streetscape improvements constructed in a manner consistent with such
plan, except as otherwise specifically approved. Except as otherwise approved, sites
outside such areas and located along streets designated as principal or minor arterial
streets in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan shall be constructed with a
minimum 14 feet distance from face of curb to face of building and sidewalks of 10 feet
minimum unobstructed width (such width shall not contain tree grates, light poles, or
similar obstructions). Sites on all other street fronts shall include a minimum 10 foot
distance from face of curb to face of building and 6 feet minimum sidewalk unobstructed
width on all other street fronts. Outdoor restaurant seating may be allowed by the county
manager, so long as a straight 6 feet minimum sidewalk unobstructed width is maintained.
D. Parking and loading
Surface and structure parking as well as all loading areas shall be placed to the rear or to
the side of buildings. All surface parking and loading areas shall be screened from public
areas, public sidewalks, and abutting residentially zoned properties by landscaping and a
four foot high solid wall; except that where parking areas abut an R district that is also
designated “Low” residential on the General Land Use Plan, the wall shall be at a height of
six feet. When parking is provided at or above grade within a structure, a façade
treatment which is consistent (in terms of materials and design) with the building façade
shall be provided for the parking areas. Parking structures shall be constructed so that
commercial uses occupy the ground level floor on all street fronts. Automobile parking
space is to be provided as required in §14.3, unless otherwise approved by the County
Board.
E. Trash collection and storage areas
Trash collection and storage areas shall be provided inside the main building or in a
designated area outside the structure. Any such designated area shall be screened by a
solid wall of materials similar to those used in the construction of the main building and
which is a minimum of six feet in height.
F. Building height
Building heights shall be limited to 45 feet. Mechanical penthouses may be permitted
above the 45 feet height limit, provided that they are set back a distance equal to their

§10.2.4 UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT IN NAUCK VILLAGE CENTER SPECIAL REVITALIZATION
DISTRICT
height from the building edge and that the mechanical penthouse height does not exceed
12 feet.
G. First floor height
Along any commercial frontage, where a building fronts on a street that is designated as
principal or minor arterial streets in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan, the
First Floor shall have a minimum clear height of 12 feet for at least 75 percent of its gross
floor area.
H. First floor fenestration
Where a building fronts on a street that is designated as principal or minor arterial streets
in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan, the First Floor shall have a façade
which is at least 70 percent transparent (i.e., 70 percent glass and 30 percent solid walls)
for the area of the façade that is between two feet and 10 feet above the abutting
sidewalk. “Transparent” shall mean using glass or other exterior material offering a view
into an area of the commercial space where human activity normally occurs and shall not
be satisfied by views into areas blocked by display cases, the rear of shelving, interior
walls, blinds, hallways or the like.
I. Building entrances
Where possible, primary building entrances shall be located on streets designated as
principal or minor arterial streets in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.
Secondary entrances and entrances to individual residential units may be placed on any
street type. Entrances on streets that are designated as arterials in the Master
Transportation Plan shall be placed no more than 100 feet apart. When possible, retail
entrances should be placed at street corners. Retail entrances shall have transparent
doors.
J. Landscaping
Any unified commercial/mixed use development which is proposed on a site of 20,000
square feet of land area or less shall have a minimum landscaped area of 10 percent of the
total development project. Any development which is proposed on a site with a land area
greater than 20,000 square feet shall provide a minimum landscaped area equivalent to
2,000 sq. ft. plus 20 percent of the land area in excess of 20,000 square feet
K. Density
1. Unified commercial/mixed use developments may include both residential units and
commercial uses up to a total F.A.R. of 2.0, where the developments contain a
minimum of 0.1 F.A.R. and maximum of 1.1 F.A.R. of residential uses.
2. Any development that contains only commercial uses may develop at a density of up
to 1.5 F.A.R.
Unified commercial/mixed use development in Nauck Village Center Special

Revitalization District
The County Board may, by use permit approval, approve unified commercial/mixed use
developments in the Nauck Village Center Special Revitalization District where a proposal
meets the following minimum requirements:

DISTRICT
A. Density and Use

Unified Commercial/Mixed use developments may include both residential units and
commercial uses up to a total F.A.R. of 2.0, where the development fronts on a block face
identified as “Retail Required” or “Retail Optional” within the Nauck Village Center Action
Plan. On block faces specifying “Retail Required” within the Nauck Village Center Action
Plan, the project must include retail uses totaling at least 0.4 F.A.R. located on the ground
floor along the frontages shown in the Nauck Village Center Action Plan. Commercial or
retail uses above 0.4 F.A.R. may be located on any floor. On block faces specifying “Retail
Optional,” residential density of up to 1.5 F.A.R. shall be permitted provided the total
F.A.R. for all uses on the site does not exceed 2.0. On block faces which are not identified
as either “Retail Required” or “Retail Optional,” projects eligible for approval through this
use permit process shall contain only residential uses, with allowances made for
management and tenant amenity space, and shall be limited to 1.5 F.A.R., except as
provided for in §10.2.4.L, below, relating to Affordable Housing.
B. Placement and orientation
Buildings shall be sited to build-tos at the back of the sidewalk, which build-to shall be
determined through use permit approval. At least 75 percent of a building’s façade must
abut the back of the sidewalk along any street designated as principal or minor arterial
streets in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan and along Shirlington road.
Retail uses shall be oriented to the block face locations shown as “Retail required” or
“Retail Optional” within the Nauck Village Center Action Plan, as relevant. Where a
development parcel is abutting an R district, all buildings must be setback a minimum of
20 feet from the residential district.
C. Streetscape
The periphery of any site fronting on a public right-of-way shall be landscaped by the
provision of curb, gutter, sidewalk, street light, street furniture, street trees and other
elements, covering the entire area from face of curb to face of building and conforming to
the Streetspace and Streetscape Standards set forth in the Nauck Village Center Action
Plan for the relevant block frontages. All streetscape improvements shall be constructed
in a manner consistent with such plan, except as otherwise specifically approved.
Outdoor restaurant seating may be allowed by the county manager, so long as a clear and
unobstructed 6’ minimum sidewalk width is maintained.
Surface and structured parking as well as all loading areas shall be placed to the rear or to
the side of buildings. However, structured parking above a level of ground floor retail may
extend to the “build to” line, provided that it has façade treatments as further described
below. All surface parking and loading areas shall be screened from public areas, public
sidewalks, and abutting residentially zoned properties by landscaping and four foot high
solid wall; except that where parking areas abut an R district that is also designated “Low”
residential on the General Land Use Plan, the wall shall be at a height of six feet. When
parking is provided at or above grade within a structure, a façade treatment which is
consistent (in terms of materials and design) with the building facades of the larger
structures of which it is a part shall be provided for the parking area. Automobile parking
space is to be provided as required in §14.3 with the following exceptions:

DISTRICT
1. Where a project has less than 8,000 square feet of retail space, at least one parking
space shall be provided for each 500 square feet of retail space above the first 1,000
square feet No parking is required for the first 1,000 square feet of retail space in
such projects.
2. Residential projects or portions of projects shall provide at least 1 1/8 parking spaces
per residential unit.
3. When it finds that such approval will not have an adverse effect on the surrounding
neighborhood and will contribute to a better overall transportation system in the
area, the County Board may allow some or all of a project’s parking requirement to be
provided through the use of off-site committed parking, on-street parking, cash
contributions for public parking purposes, or other similar mechanisms.
Trash collection and storage areas shall be provided inside the main building or in a
designated area outside the structure. Any such designated area shall be screened by a
solid wall that is of materials similar to those used in the construction of the main building
and at least six feet in height.
F. Building height
Building heights shall be limited to 45 feet. Mechanical penthouses may be permitted
above the 45 feet height limit, provided that they are set back a distance equal to their
height from the building edge and that the mechanical penthouse height does not exceed
12 feet. The County Board may accommodate the various topographical conditions
prevalent in Nauck by modifying the locations on a frontage from which building height is
measured. However, such modifications shall not result in a building height of more than
48 feet, arrived at through the calculation method required by the zoning ordinance,
except as provided for in §10.2.4.G. Provided further that under no circumstances shall
any portion of a structure located at the street frontage or build-to line, be taller than 45
feet from the adjoining curb grade, except as provided for in §10.2.4.G.
G. Number of stories
Notwithstanding the above provisions on Building Height at §10.2.4.F, projects north of
22nd Street South shall not exceed three stories, with allowances made for half-story
attics with eaves. Unified Commercial/Mixed Use development projects south of 24th
Street South applying under these use permit provisions may include five stories, provided
the total height of the building does not exceed 56 feet as measured from the adjoining
curb grade along Shirlington Road.
H. Ground floor height
Along any frontage identified in the Nauck Village Center Action Plan as “Retail Required,”
the Ground Floor of any building shall have a minimum clear height of 12 feet for at least
75 percent of the gross floor area of the ground floor that is retail uses.
I. Ground floor fenestration
Along any frontage identified in the Nauck Village Center Action Plan as “Retail Required,”
the Ground Floor shall have a façade which is at least 70 percent transparent (i.e., 70
percent glass and 30 percent solid walls) for the area of the façade that is between two
feet and 10 feet above the abutting sidewalk grade. “Transparent” shall mean using glass
or other exterior material offering a view into an area of the commercial space where

§10.2.5 UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT IN CLARENDON REVITALIZATION DISTRICT
human activity normally occurs and shall not be satisfied by views into areas blocked by
display cases, the rear of shelving, interior walls, blinds, hallways, or any other material
that could block a view.
J. Building entrances
Where possible, primary building entrances for pedestrians and guests shall be located on
Shirlington Road. Secondary entrances and entrances to individual residential units may
be placed on any street type. Primary entrances shall be placed no more than 100 feet
apart. When possible, retail entrances should be placed at street corners. Retail
entrances shall have door that are at least 80 percent transparent.
K. Landscaping
Any development on a site of 20,000 square feet of land area or less shall have a minimum
landscaped area of 10 percent of the total development project. Any development on a
site with a land area greater than 20,000 square feet shall provide a minimum landscaped
area equivalent to 2,000 square feet plus 20 percent of the land area in excess of 20,000
square feet
L. Affordable housing bonus
For projects with at least 1.0 F.A.R. of housing, up to an additional 0.5 F.A.R. of density
shall be allowed if the project contains a total of 10 percent or more of its total housing
units as affordable dwelling units, pursuant to the definition of affordable dwelling units in
use by the county at the time of the application. However, under no circumstances may
the total F.A.R. of all uses on the site exceed 2.0.
Unified commercial/mixed use development in Clarendon Revitalization

District
The County Board may, by use permit approval, approve unified commercial/mixed use
developments in areas designated “service commercial” on the general land use plan and that
are within the Clarendon Revitalization District and that are within the C-1, C-2, C-3 or C-TH
zoning districts, where a proposal meets the following requirements or where the County
Board modifies the following requirements by use permit:
A. Density and use
Unified commercial/mixed use developments shall include: residential, commercial, hotel
and/or retail uses up to a total F.A.R. of 1.5, except as provided for in §10.2.5.L, below;
and ground floor retail that substantially complies with the Frontage Type guidelines in
the Clarendon Sector Plan shall be provided where retail frontages are designated on the
Use Mix Map (§9.2.6, Map 2).
B. Placement, orientation and massing
New buildings shall be built to the back of the streetscape where build-to lines are shown
on the Build-To-Lines Map (§9.2.10, Map 6), for at least 75 percent of the build-to line on
each street frontage of the site. The location of the build-to Line will be based upon street
cross-sections shown in the Clarendon Sector Plan. Facades of new structures along a
build-to line shall be composed as a simple plane (limited jogs less than 24 inches are
considered a simple plane within this requirement) interrupted only by bay windows,
shop-fronts, other entries to the building, café seating, or for compatibility with a
preserved structure.

1. Where a building frontage or facade identified for preservation in the Clarendon

Sector Plan is preserved, a step-back of at least 20 feet for a frontage and 10 feet for a
facade, shall be provided immediately above the preserved portion of the project,
unless the County Board finds, in a particular case, that a lesser step-back or no step-
back is more appropriate to ensure a contextually appropriate definition between the
preserved structure and new buildings.
2. New buildings on parcels north of Wilson Boulevard and east of North Garfield Street
that abut an R district shall incorporate a setback of 25 feet from the abutting
residential district lot, and shall be limited to a maximum of three floors and 40 feet in
height; provided, however, that a portion of the building may be constructed up to 45
feet if step-backs of 25 feet each are provided at the 25 and 35 foot height limits
facing the residential district, unless the County Board finds, in a particular case, that
an alternative design that includes a lesser step-back or no step-back would provide
appropriate transition to the abutting low density residential properties. Except
where a build-to line is required pursuant to §10.2.5.B, above, all other new buildings
that abut an R district shall incorporate the aforementioned setback of 25 feet from
the abutting residential district lot and shall provide step-backs or other reductions
from the maximum height, as approved by the County Board in order to provide
appropriate height transition to the abutting low-density residential properties.
3. Where a parcel abuts an R or RA district, a masonry wall of a height of six feet, or such
other height as the County Board determines will reasonably protect residential
properties shall be provided at the property line.
C. Streetscape
Any street frontage, including any new street as designated in the Master Transportation
Plan, shall be improved with streetscapes consistent with the Streetscapes Map (§9.2.9,
Map 5) and sidewalk design guidelines (§9.2.3, Table 1). The clear walkway zone (an
unobstructed area serving as circulation space for pedestrians) shall be maintained at a
width no less than six feet. All streetscape improvements shall be constructed in a
manner consistent with such plan. All aerial utilities on and at the periphery of the site
shall be placed underground with redevelopment or new construction.
1. The proposal shall include parking as permitted and regulated in §9.2.2.D.7.
2. Surface parking proposed along streets designated as Main Street or 10th Street
frontages on the Frontage Types Map (§9.2.11, Map 7), shall only be located behind a
structure containing other uses. In all other locations, if surface parking lots are
provided, the provisions of §14.3 shall apply regardless of the number of parking
spaces. Furthermore, surface parking shall be screened as required in §14.2.3.E
except that any surface parking lot facing a public right-of-way (where no structure
containing another use is between the right-of-way and the parking) shall comply with
the minimum streetscape requirements in §10.2.5.C, above, and in addition, any such
parking area is screened by a masonry wall between 42 inches and 48 inches tall
(measured as described in §14.2.3.E.2), and placed at the back of the required
streetscape. This wall shall be designed to partially screen vehicles from pedestrian
view from abutting sidewalks, to provide separation between pedestrians, and parking
areas and to continue the build-to line as required in §10.2.5.B, above. Reasonable

interruptions to this wall are allowed to accommodate vehicular access, as provided in

§10.2.5.D.3, below. In addition, any vehicular access to a surface parking lot shall
include sidewalks, a minimum of four feet wide, along each side of the driveway to
permit pedestrian access from the street frontage into the parking lot. Additional
breaks in the masonry wall shall be allowed to accommodate pedestrian access but
each break shall be a maximum of 48 inches wide.
3. Parking entrances/exits and loading areas shall be provided as required in §14.3
except that these areas shall be located only in areas designated for “Service”
frontages on the Frontage Types Map (§9.2.11, Map 7). If a site does not include any
site area designated for Service frontage, the County Board may approve an alternate
location for service and/or parking entrances/exits that balances the following
considerations:
(a) Proposed location limits pedestrian and vehicle conflicts;
(b) Project as designed maximizes the site’s potential for pedestrian street activation
along major pedestrian routes; and
(c) Project is designed to maximize consolidation of loading and/or vehicular entrances
with other properties on the same block.
Trash collection and storage areas shall be provided inside a main building or in a
designated area screened by a solid wall made of materials similar to those used in the
construction of the main building and that is at least six feet above the ground.
F. Building height
1. No building, except for mechanical penthouses, shall be erected to exceed the overall
maximum height (feet) shown on the Maximum Height Limits Map (§9.2.5, Map 1).
Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve a use permit for a building
(exclusive of the mechanical penthouse) that exceeds the overall maximum height
(feet) as shown on the Maximum Heights Limits Map.
2. The proposal shall comply with the Maximum Number of Floors shown on the
Maximum Height Limits Map (§9.2.5, Map 1), except as provided for in §10.2.5.L,
below.
3. All equipment above the roofline shall be screened from view by walls of equal height,
and materials similar to the facades of the building, set back a distance at least equal
to their height from the building edge and the height limit line and shall not exceed 12
feet. No mechanical penthouse or rooftop structure or any space above the height
limit shall include additional floor space.
G. Ground floor height
Ground floor space shall be designed and constructed with a structural clear height (the
space bounded by the top of one slab, or other structural portion of one floor, and the
bottom of the next slab, or structural portion of a floor) of at least 15 feet, except where
the County Board finds that such structural clear height would adversely affect the
historical aspects of a structure designated in the Clarendon Sector Plan for full or partial
preservation.

H. Ground floor transparency

The Ground Floor of all buildings shall provide a minimum transparency consistent with
the Frontage Type, as designated on the Frontage Types Map (§9.2.11, Map 7).
“Transparent” shall mean using glass or other exterior material offering a view into an
area of the commercial space where human activity normally occurs and shall not be
satisfied by views into areas blocked by display cases, the rear of shelving, interior walls,
blinds, hallways, or any other material that could block a view.
I. Building entrances
Functional entries that substantially comply with the Frontage Type guidelines set forth in
the Clarendon Sector Plan shall be provided, except where the County Board finds that
such entries would adversely affect the historical aspects of a structure designated in the
Clarendon Sector Plan for full or partial preservation.
J. Landscaping
1. Any unified commercial/mixed use development shall provide a minimum landscaped
area of 10 percent of the total development project.
2. When a proposal preserves a building designated for preservation according to the
Building Preservation Map (§9.2.8, Map 4), and in accordance with the standards set
forth in §10.2.5.K, below, the area of the footprint of the structure being preserved
may be excluded from the required landscaped area requirements of §10.2.5.J.1,
above.
K. Historic preservation
When a site includes a structure identified for preservation in the Clarendon Sector Plan,
the structure shall be preserved in a manner consistent with the Clarendon Sector Plan,
other regulations set forth in the District, and the regulations set forth below in
§10.2.5.L.3. New development within the site shall be compatible with the existing
structures in terms of material, color, texture, size and fenestration of doors and windows,
and cornice lines.
L. Bonus density
Subject to the maximum height limits in §10.2.5.F, the County Board may approve
optional increases in density above 1.5 F.A.R. by approving additional floors above the
maximum number of floors established in §10.2.5.F.2, below. Density approved pursuant
to this §10.2.5.L may be accommodated on-site or transferred to another site within
Clarendon, except as provided in §10.2.5.L.1(b).
1. Affordable housing
When a project includes affordable dwelling units (ADUs), pursuant to the definition
of ADUs in use by the county at the time of the application, or an equivalent cash
contribution, the County Board may permit up to an additional 1.5 F.A.R. of density, as
set forth below:
(a) Residential rental projects
For residential rental projects, ADUs shall be provided on-site as part of the use
permit project as a total of at least 10 percent of the gross square footage (GFA)
of the bonus density permitted under this §10.2.5.L.1 when the required 10
percent of the GFA is equal to 4,000 square feet or more.

§10.3 RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS
§10.2.6 PROCEDURE FOR UNIFIED COMMERCIAL/MIXED U SE DEVELOPMENT APPRO VAL
(b) All other projects

For all other projects, ADUs shall be provided on-site as a total of at least 10
percent of the gross square footage of the bonus density permitted under this
§10.2.5.L.1, or the applicant shall make a cash contribution to the Affordable
Housing Investment Fund of $15 per square foot of the gross floor footage of the
bonus density. The cash contribution will be indexed to the Consumer Price
Index for Housing in the Washington-Baltimore MSA as published by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics and shall be adjusted annually based on the January changes
to such index for that year, beginning in January, 2010. Revised amounts apply
only to use permit plans filed after the adjustment date. Amounts for the
calculation of the cash option are established at the time the use permit
application is filed. Bonus density permitted through a cash contribution shall be
accommodated on-site and shall not be available to transfer to another site.
2. Sustainable design
For projects that provide green building design (LEED) and comply with established
county policies for bonus density, the County Board may approve additional density
by use permit approval in an amount equivalent to that identified in established policy
for development subject to site plan approval pursuant to §15.5. 2
3. Historic preservation
When the County Board finds that a structure identified for preservation in the
Clarendon Sector Plan is preserved in accordance with §10.2.5.K, and when the
County Board (after review and comment by the Historical Affairs and Landmarks
Review Board at least 45 days in advance of a public hearing by the County Board, and
upon consideration by the County Board of the HALRB’s recommendation), has
determined that the project is consistent with the historic preservation objectives of
the adopted polices, then the County Board may approve an increase above the
otherwise allowable density as provided in §10.2.5.L.
Procedure for unified commercial/mixed use development approval

A. Unified commercial/mixed use developments shall be permitted by use permit approval,
as specified in §15.4.
B. An approved use permit for a commercial/mixed use development Plan may be modified
or amended as specified in §15.4.
§10.3. Residential Cluster Development

Purpose
The purpose of this §10.3 is to allow, by site plan approval, the clustering of one-family
dwellings, in order to preserve, maintain and enhance the character of one-family residential
neighborhoods. It is intended that such clustering shall result in the preservation of natural
land form, irreplaceable historical features, trees and foliage, and permit the preservation of
major common open site area without increasing the overall density of land use otherwise
allowed for the site.

ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS §10.3 RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
§10.3.2 APPLICABILITY
Applicability
Residential cluster development may be approved on sites in the R-5, R-6, R-8, R-10 and R-20
districts in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Uses
Residential cluster developments shall contain only one-family, semidetached, and townhouse
dwellings and associated open spaces, on a single site of at least one acre, but no more than
two acres.
Modification of zoning requirements

A. Any residential cluster development shall comply with the zoning requirements applicable
to the site and the following requirements, unless the County Board, after finding that
such modifications will better accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.3.1, modifies
some of those requirements by site plan approval, as permitted in §10.3.4.B below.
B. The County Board may modify the minimum site size, up to a maximum of 10 percent,
upon a finding that, after the proposed modification, the subject development will still
accomplish the purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance for residential cluster
development; the area and width of individual lots; any required setback and yard
dimensions; site coverage; common open areas; the number and dimensions of parking
spaces; and the height of main buildings, by site plan, if it finds that such modifications will
better accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.3.1. Reduction of the minimum site size
or lot size shall not result in any greater density than would otherwise be permitted by the
ordinance provisions for residential cluster development.
Density
The maximum number of dwelling units shall be determined by the County Board, depending
on the design and configuration of the development, up to a maximum number arrived at by
dividing the site area, together with the area of any parts of the site that have been dedicated
for public right-of-way, by the required minimum lot area of the district applicable to the site.
Internal streets
A. Streets located within the site which are publicly dedicated shall have right-of-way and
pavement widths as specified in Chapter 23, Subdivisions, of the County Code. The
minimum right-of-way width may be reduced to 40 feet and a pavement width to 30 feet,
by site plan approval, if the County Board finds that such modifications will better
accomplish the purposes and intent of §10.3.1 than would the development without
those modifications. Private streets shall be constructed to Arlington County standards
and shall be of sufficient width to serve the needs of the development.
B. Publicly dedicated internal streets shall have a minimum right-of-way width of 50 feet and
a minimum pavement width of 36 feet. In special circumstances, by site plan approval,
the minimum right-of-way width may be reduced to 40 feet and the minimum pavement
to 30 feet. Private streets shall be constructed to Arlington county standards and shall be
of sufficient width to serve the needs of the development.

§10.3 RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE 10. UNIFIED DEVELOPMENTS

A. Setbacks
1. All buildings, including accessory buildings, shall have a minimum setback and/or yard
of 25 feet from all exterior boundaries of the site.
2. There shall be a minimum side yard for detached units of five feet.
3. There shall be a minimum rear yard of 15 feet for each dwelling unit.
B. Coverage
Every residential cluster development shall have a maximum coverage (building, right-of-
way, parking and drives) not exceeding 50 percent of the area of the site.
Procedure for residential cluster development approval

Residential cluster developments shall be permitted by site plan approval, as specified in §15.5,
and as follows.
A. Landscape and site improvement plan
A preliminary landscape and site improvement plan shall be submitted with the site plan,
including a means for preserving historical landmarks and significant trees and foliage and
natural features on the site.
B. Site plan amendment
No site plan for a residential cluster development shall be modified or amended except as
provided for in §15.5; provided, however, that such minor modifications or amendments
as are made necessary by conditions of site plan approval or judged to be within the
purpose and intent of the site plan may be approved by the zoning administrator.

otherwise specified in this section.
A. Parking
Not less than two and one-half parking spaces, at least one of which shall be off-street,
shall be provided on-site for each dwelling unit.
B. Common open area
1. The common open area gained by the clustering of dwelling units shall not be less
than specified in the table below:
District(s) Area per Dwelling Unit (min. sq. ft.)
R-5 and R-6 1,000
R-8 2,000
R-10 2,500
R-20 10,000
2. Under no circumstances shall the common open area be provided by easement over
individual lots on which units are situated, or over streets or parking areas.

Article 11. Overlay and Form Based Code Districts
§11.1. CP-FBC, Columbia Pike Form Based Code District

Purpose
This Columbia Pike Form Based Code is intended to implement the purpose and goals of the
Columbia Pike Initiative Plan initially adopted by the County Board on March 12, 2002, the
subsequent Columbia Pike Urban Design Charrette and citizen workshops held in September
2002, and other policies adopted by the County Board to:
A. Foster a vital main street for its adjacent neighborhoods through a lively mix of uses—with
shopfronts, sidewalk cafes, and other commercial uses at street level, overlooked by
canopy shade trees, upper story residences and offices;
B. Create transit, pedestrian-, and bicycle-oriented development, which is dependent on
three factors: density, diversity of uses, and design; and
C. Place greatest emphasis on design, or physical form, because of its importance in defining
neighborhood character.
11.1.2. Applicability
Properties zoned according to the S-3A, RA8-18, RA14-26, RA7-16, RA6-15, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-O or
C-O-1.0 districts and that are located in the Columbia Pike Special Revitalization District (CP-FPC
district), as designated on the General Land Use Plan, shall be eligible to develop in accordance
with the CP-FBC district requirements. After such development all uses permitted in §11.1.4
shall be permitted on the property, subject to all regulations in §11.1.
Form Based Code

All development pursuant to this §11.1 shall be governed by the requirements of the Form
Based Code as adopted by the Arlington County Board (Appendix A of the Zoning Ordinance).
Uses
A. Key to types of uses
The use tables are subject to the explanation set forth below.
1. Permitted uses
A “P” indicates that a use is permitted by-right and may be approved administratively,
provided that redevelopment of the subject property or properties involves an
increase in total developed space of at least 50 percent; and the proposed
redevelopment conforms to the Form Based Code as adopted by the County Board of
Arlington County (see §11.1.3). Properties within the Columbia Pike Special
Revitalization District, which have not been redeveloped using the Form Based Code,
shall be governed by all use limitations in the underlying zoning district.
(a) On sites of greater than 40,000 square feet in area, such uses are not permitted
unless a special exception use permit has been approved as set forth in Appendix A,
Section II, Administration.

§11.1 CP-FBC, COLUMBIA PIK E FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS
§11.1.5 COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT PRINCIPAL USE TABLE
(b) [Reserved]
2. Use permit approval required
A “U” indicates a special exception use that may be established subject to obtaining a
use permit as provided in §15.4, use permits, for each such use, and provided that the
property has been redeveloped pursuant to the Form Based Code. The Zoning
Administrator may require a use permit for such use, whether the use is located in a
building approved administratively or whether located in a building controlled by use
permit.
3. Uses not permitted
A blank cell in the use table indicates that a use is not allowed in the respective
district. See also §12.2.1.
4. Use standards
The “use standard” column on the use table (last column on the right) is a cross-
reference to any specific use standard listed in Article 12, which apply to more than
one district. Where use standards apply exclusively to a specific district(s), such
standards are listed in the respective district(s) regulations.
5. Accessory and temporary uses
The regulations that apply to accessory and temporary uses are contained in §12.9
and §12.10.
B. Use classification
The first column of the use table lists some of the specific uses allowed in the respective
districts. Uses not listed may be allowed pursuant to the similar use determination
procedure of §12.2.1.
Columbia Pike Form Based Code district principal use table

The following use table summarizes the principal use regulations of the CP-FBC district.
COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT PRINCIPAL USE CP-FBC
Use
Household One-family detached P
Living Multiple-family P
(See §12.2.3.A) Townhouses P
Boarding houses and rooming houses U §12.3.1
Group Group homes U §12.3.6
Living
(See §12.2.3.B) Dormitories U §12.3.3
Fraternity and sorority houses; U §12.3.5
Colleges
Colleges and universities U §12.3.6
(§12.2.4.A)
P
Community centers
Community U
Service Libraries U
(See §12.2.4.B Museums and art galleries or studios U
Publicly-operated recreation buildings, playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields U

ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS §11.1 CP-FBC, COLUMBIA PIK E FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT
COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT PRINCIPAL USE
CP-FBC
Use
Recreation centers U §12.4.6
Day Care
All day care uses U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.C)
Governmental Detention and correctional facilities U
Facilities
(See §12.2.4.D) Fire and police stations P
Hospital P
Hospitals
(See §12.2.4.E) U
Parks and Cemeteries U
Open Space Country clubs and golf courses U
(See §12.2.4.F) Parks, playgrounds and playfields U
Passenger Airports and aircraft landing fields U
Terminals and
Services Bus, trolley, air, boat and rail passenger terminals P
(See §12.2.4.G)
Religious
Institutions Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples P
(See §12.2.4.H)
Schools
Schools, elementary, middle and high U §12.4.1
(See §12.2.4.I)
Social Service
Institutions All social service institutions U
(See §12.2.4.J)
Utilities, major
All major utilities P
(See §12.2.4.K)
Utilities, minor Bus shelters; bike share stations U
(See §12.2.4.K) All minor utilities P
Catering establishment, small scale P
Food Food delivery service U
Establishments
(See§12.2.5.B) Restaurant, general P §12.5.22
Restaurant, limited P §12.5.23
Theater or auditorium P
Entertainment
Membership clubs and lodges U §12.5.13
(See §12.2.5.A)
All other indoor entertainment U §12.5.7
Audio-visual production studio U
College operated as a commercial enterprise P
Financial services P
Office
(See §12.2.5.C) Offices, business and professional P
Office, federal, state and local. U
P
Offices or clinics, medical or dental §12.5.16
U
Overnight Bed and breakfasts U §12.5.3
Accommodations
(See §12.2.5.D) Hotel or motel P
Parking,
Commercial All commercial parking uses
(See §12.2.5.E)
Recreation, Indoor Bowling alleys U

§11.1 CP-FBC, COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS
CP-FBC
Use
(See Swimming pool P
§12.2.5.F.2(a)) Skating rink P
All other indoor recreation U §12.5.19
Recreation, Miniature golf course U
Outdoor Skating rink P
(See
§12.2.5.F.2(b)) Swimming pool U
Florist or gift shops P §12.5.8
Grocery, fruit or vegetable stores P §12.5.10
Retail Sales (See
Nursery, flower or plant store P §12.5.15
§12.2.5.G.2(a))f
Open-air markets U §12.5.17.
All other retail sales uses P
Retail, Personal Animal care facilities, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals P §12.5.2
Service (See Dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromat P §12.5.6
§12.2.5.G.2(b)) Mortuaries and funeral homes U §12.5.14
Private postal service P §12.5.18
All other personal service retail uses P §12.5.20
Retail, Repair- Upholstery shops P §12.5.26
oriented (See
§12.2.5.G.2(c)) All retail repair uses P
Self-service
Storage All self-service storage uses U §12.5.25
(See §12.2.5.H)
Vehicle Sales Vehicle body shop U §12.5.27
and Service Vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities P §12.5.28.C
(See §12.2.5.I) Vehicle service establishment U §12.5.28
Carpet cleaning plants U
Medical or dental laboratories P
Light Industrial Printing, lithographing or publishing P
Service
(See §12.2.6.A) Sign making shops P §12.6.9
Recycling centers U
Repair shop (small appliance, television, radio) P
Manufacturing Plumbing or sheet metal shops P §12.6.6
and Production
(See §12.2.4.B) All other manufacturing and production uses
Heavy
Industrial All heavy industrial uses
(See §12.2.6.C)
Warehouse
and Freight
All warehouse and freight movement uses
Movement
(See §12.2.6.D)
Waste-related
Service All waste-related service uses
(See §12.2.6.E)
Wholesale
Trade All wholesale trade uses
(See §12.2.6.F)

ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS §11.1 CP-FBC, COLUMBIA PIK E FORM BASED CODE DISTRICT
§11.1.6 COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE
CP-FBC
Use
Agriculture
All agricultural uses P §12.7.1
(See §12.2.7.A)
Resource
Extraction All resource extraction uses
(See §12.2.7.B)
Tele-
communications
All telecommunications facilities U
Facilities
(§12.2.6.C)
Unclassified
All unclassified uses
(See §12.2.7.D)
Columbia Pike Form Based Code districts accessory use table

Accessory uses in Columbia Pike Form Based Code districts shall include the following uses,
activities and structures.
COLUMBIA PIKE FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS ACCESSORY USE TABLE 13F
CP-FBC
Use
Use Types Standards
Commercial vehicle parking P §12.9.4
Crematoriums U §12.9.6
Drive-through facilities U §12.9.7
Family day care homes (10 to 12 children) U §12.9.9
Family day care homes (up to nine children) P §12.9.9
Home occupations P §12.9.11
Live entertainment and/or dancing U
Mortuaries and funeral homes U §12.9.14
Swimming pools, private P §12.9.17
Outdoor café associated with a restaurant on private property P §12.9.15
Outdoor café associated with a restaurant on public right-of-way or easement for public use U §12.9.15
Recreational vehicle or trailer parking P §12.9.16
Vehicle maintenance and minor repairs, routine P §12.9.18
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or uninspected. P §12.9.19
Use limitations
A. There shall be no manufacturing, compounding, processing or treatment of products
other than that which is clearly incidental and essential to a retail store or business and
where all such products are sold at retail at these establishments.
B. Steam exhausts for cleaning and laundering establishments shall be fully contained within
the building that contains the cleaning and laundering establishment.

§11.2 CPN-FBC, COLUMBIA PIKE NEIGHBORHOODS FORM BASED CODE D ISTRICT ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED
CODE DISTRICTS
§11.2.1 PURPOSE
§11.2. CPN-FBC, Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code

District
Purpose
A. The Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code is intended to implement the
purpose and goals of the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Area Plan as described in Chapter
1 of that plan:
1. Foster a healthy, diverse community with a high quality of life;
2. Stabilize and strengthen residential neighborhoods and mixed-use commercial
centers;
3. Promote creation and preservation of affordable housing and expand housing options;
4. Create a pedestrian-friendly and multi-modal corridor;
5. Preserve neighborhood character, historic buildings and tree canopy;
6. Enhance urban design and architecture; and
7. Incorporate sustainable building design.
B. The Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code implements a primary element of the
Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Area Plan vision to create transit and pedestrian-oriented
development, which is dependent on three factors: density, diversity of uses, and design.
This Code places greatest emphasis on design, or physical form, because of its importance
in defining neighborhood character.
Applicability
A. Properties zoned according to the R-6, R-5, R2-7, R15-30T, RA14-26, RA8-18, RA7-16, RA6-
15, C1 or C-O districts and that are located in the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Special
Revitalization District, as designated on the General Land Use Plan, shall be eligible to
develop in accordance with the Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Form Based Code district
requirements. After such development all uses permitted in Appendix B of the Zoning
Ordinance shall be permitted on the property, subject to all regulations in Appendix B.
B. The Columbia Pike Neighborhoods Special Revitalization District Form Based Code is an
optional zoning tool and property owners retain the zoning rights under the existing
zoning. A property owner who seeks to use the additional density and benefits available
under this code shall be subject to requirements to provide additional features, design
elements, uses, services, and/or amenities called for by this code, as part of the owner’s
development. Use of the Form Based Code is selected through the filing of an application
for development under the Form Based Code.
Form Based Code

All development pursuant to this §11.2 shall be governed by the requirements of the
Neighborhoods Form Based Code as adopted by the Arlington County Board (Appendix B of the
Zoning Ordinance).

ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS §11.3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
§11.3.1 PURPOSE
§11.3. Historic Preservation Overlay District

Purpose
The purpose of these regulations is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the
public through the identification, preservation, and enhancement of buildings, structures,
landscapes, settings, neighborhoods, places and features with special historical, cultural,
architectural and archaeological significance through the establishment of historic districts, and
through the protection of other significant properties. To achieve these general purposes, the
county seeks to take the following steps to preserve and protect buildings, structures and
properties that serve as important visible reminders of the historic, cultural, architectural, and
archaeological heritage of Arlington County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the United
States of America:
A. Promote local historic preservation efforts through the identification and protection of
historic resources throughout the county, and through the designation of local historic
districts;
B. Assure that, within Arlington County’s historic districts, new structures, buildings,
additions, landscaping and related elements will be in harmony with their setting and
environs;
C. Promote an enhanced quality of life within the county.
D. Maintain and improve property values by providing incentives for the upkeep,
rehabilitation and restoration of older structures and buildings in a safe and healthful
manner, and by encouraging desirable uses and forms of development that will lead to
the continuance, conservation and improvement of the county’s historic, cultural and
architectural resources and institutions within their settings;
E. Encourage nomination of historic properties to the National Register of Historic Places and
the Virginia Landmarks Register; and
F. Promote tourism and enhance business and industry, through the protection of, and
education about, historic, cultural and archaeological resources.
Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board

A. Establishment and composition
1. Establishment
There is hereby created and established an historical affairs and landmark Review
Board which shall consist of no more than 15 members who are residents of the
county who have an interest, competence, or knowledge of historic preservation and
who shall be appointed by the County Board. The historical affairs and landmark
Review Board shall be the Architectural Review Board provided by Section 15.2-503.2
of the Code of Virginia. The Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board shall
hereafter be referred to as “the Review Board."
2. Composition
The County Board shall select the members of the Review Board that meet the criteria
set forth by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources Certified Local Government
(CLG) program. The County Board may consider including members from appropriate

§11.3 HISTORIC PRESERVATIO N OVERLAY DISTRICT ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS
§11.3.2 HISTORICAL AFFAIRS A ND LANDMARK REVIEW BOARD
community groups (i.e., the Arlington Historical Society).

B. Terms of office
1. The members of the Review Board shall serve overlapping terms of four years.
Initially, four members shall be appointed for a term of one year, four members shall
be appointed for a term of two years, four members shall be appointed for a term of
three years, and three members shall be appointed for a term of four years.
Thereafter, all appointments shall be made for a term of four years. Where the
County Board appoints fewer than 15 members, the number of appointees with each
term length shall be reduced proportionally.
2. Members may be reappointed for consecutive terms.
3. If a member representing a profession designated as a requirement by the CLG
program ceases to be a member of that profession, then that member will no longer
be a member of the Review Board. If a vacancy occurs for any reason, including those
noted above, then a new appointment shall be made by the County Board for the
remainder of the unexpired term.
C. Organization; officers; rules; meetings
1. The Review Board shall annually elect from its membership a chairman and vice-
chairman, at the first meeting held on or after December 1st in each calendar year, for
a one year term of office. In the event such a person is unable to serve for the full
term for any reason, a replacement shall be elected to serve for the remainder of the
term.
2. The Review Board may establish any rules necessary for the orderly conduct of its
business.
3. All meetings of the Review Board shall be kept as public record to the extent required
by the Code of Virginia.
D. Responsibilities
The function of the Review Board shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the
following activities:
1. Recommendations
(a) Recommend additional surveys of potential historic districts, and recommend
properties for designation as local historic districts, including recommending
Historic District Design Guidelines for such districts.
(b) Act in an advisory role on historic preservation and historical affairs to the County
Board, County Board appointed commissions and boards, and other groups.
2. Final decisions
(a) Approve, deny, or approve with conditions certificate of appropriateness
applications in accordance with the provisions of §15.7.
(b) Make such minor administrative amendments to the design guidelines as are
necessary for the orderly review of CoA applications in designated historic districts.
Any administrative amendment to existing design guidelines which comply with the
spirit of this zoning ordinance, and the intent of the County Board in its approval of

ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS §11.3 HISTORIC PRESERVATIO N OVERLAY DISTRICT
§11.3.3 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
the underlying historic district design guidelines, may be approved by the HALRB.
Those amendments may include but would not be restricted to the following;
language on new building materials, construction methods and technologies,
updates to existing chapters and appendixes, revisions meant to take into account
new county policies and changes to other sections of Code.
(c) Organize, develop, and execute educational programs focusing on Arlington’s
heritage and local historic preservation efforts.
E. Other
1. Produce an annual report of the Review Board’s activities.
2. Prepare, circulate, and approve text for local historic markers.
3. Provide the County Board with assistance in the naming of public facilities and advice
on other matters of historical value.
4. Undertake such other responsibilities as the County Board may direct to protect
historic properties.
Certificate of appropriateness
See §15.7, for the certificate of appropriateness procedure.
Establishment of Historic Districts

The Historic District (Overlay) is hereby established as an overlay district. Additionally:
A. An application to consider nominating a property or properties for a historic preservation
district overlay shall be submitted to the zoning administrator and then referred to the
Review Board, or, for properties owned or ground-leased by Arlington Public Schools
(APS), referral shall be made to the County Board.
1. Applications may be submitted by the following individuals, groups, or organizations:
(a) For a single property application, (one building, site, structure, object, parcel, or
property), the application may be submitted by any Arlington County resident or
property owner.
(b) For a multiple property request, the application may be submitted by the following:
(i) A Civic Association, Homeowner’s or Condominium Association Board, for
properties within its boundaries, or;
(ii) A petition signed by 25% or more of properties within the boundary of the
proposed designation. Each property is allocated one vote for the petition.
2. The Review Board, or for properties owned or ground-leased by Arlington Public
Schools (APS), the County Board shall have reason to believe that at least two of the
11 qualifying criteria are present prior to initiating its study of the nomination. The
County Board shall maintain exclusive authority over the designation process of
historic districts for properties owned or ground-leased by Arlington Public Schools.
3. The owner of any property being considered for inclusion in a historic district shall be
informed of the nomination within 30 days of receipt of an application deemed
complete via first class mail.

§11.3.4 ESTABLISHMENT OF HISTORIC DISTRICTS
4. The Review Board, or for properties owned or ground-leased by APS, the County
Board, shall base its decision upon studies, documentation and/or research, and shall
prepare or cause to be prepared, a report on the historic significance of the proposed
historic district.
Board, shall hold a public hearing to consider the historic district status after due
notice has been given to the owners of all properties to be included in such district(s),
and the civic association which includes the proposed district within its boundaries.
Board, shall not recommend designation unless it finds that at least two of the
criteria, below, have been met. The Review Board, or for properties owned or
ground-leased by APS, the County Board, retains the authority to not recommend
designation even if the property does meet at least two of the following criteria:
(a) The property is listed or is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places;
(b) The property has character, interest, or value as part of the development, heritage,
or cultural characteristics of the county, state, or nation;
(c) The property was the site of a significant local, state, or national event;
(d) The property is associated with a person or persons who significantly contributed
to the development of the county, state, or nation;
(e) The property embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style
valuable for the study of a period, type, or method of construction;
(f) The property is identified as the work of a master builder, architect, or landscape
architect;
(g) The property embodies elements of design, detailing, materials, or craftsmanship
that render it structurally or architecturally significant;
(h) The property has a distinctive location, or singular physical characteristics that
make it an established or familiar visual feature;
(i) The property is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure
representing a period or style in the commercial, industrial, or agricultural
development of the county, with a high level of historic integrity or architectural
significance;
(j) The property has the potential to yield information important to the prehistory or
history of the county, state, or nation; or
(k) The property is suitable for preservation or restoration.
7. If the Review Board recommends designation, then written copies of the Review
Board’s recommendation, including determinations of historical significance, and
recommendations concerning the area to be included in the proposed historic district,
shall be transmitted for review to the County Board.
8. If the Review Board recommends designation of a historic district, it will forward, with
such recommendation, proposed historic district design guidelines for the district to

ARTICLE 11. OVERLAY AND FORM BASED CODE DISTRICTS §11.3 HISTORIC PRESERVATIO N OVERLAY DISTRICT
§11.3.5 GENERAL MAINTENANCE; ORDINARY MAINTENANC E ALLOWED; PUBLIC SAFETY
be considered for adoption by the County Board. Provided, however, that the Review
Board may recommend that the County Board consider designation of a historic
district without proposed historic district design guidelines upon a finding that taking
time to develop such guidelines would present a substantial risk that historic
resources proposed to be preserved by the designation would be damaged or
destroyed. Where historic district design guidelines are not proposed with a
recommendation for designation, the Review Board shall recommend historic district
design guidelines for approval by the County Board at the earliest practicable date
after designation.
(a) In the event that the Review Board does not recommend designation, the County
Board, upon its own motion, may initiate the designation review process.
B. In accordance with the normal zoning approval procedure as specified in the Code of
Virginia, the County Board shall act on nominations regarding properties owned or
ground-leased by APS, and act on recommendations from the Review Board as to
nominations regarding all other properties. The designation of such a historic district
shall be shown as an overlay on the map referred to in §2.1.
C. Upon adoption of the ordinance, the owners and occupants of each designated historic
district shall be given written notification of such designation by the County Board.
General maintenance; ordinary maintenance allowed; public safety

A. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair
of any exterior feature in a historic district which does not involve a change in design,
material, or outer appearance thereof.
B. Nothing in this section shall prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration,
restoration or demolition of any such feature which the building official shall certify is
required to maintain and uphold public safety because of an unsafe or dangerous
condition that cannot otherwise be remedied and that is not the result, either directly or
indirectly, of the owner’s negligence.
C. Neither the owner of nor the person in charge of a structure within a historic district shall
permit such structure to fall into a state of disrepair which may result in the deterioration
of any exterior appurtenance or architectural feature so as to produce or tend to produce
a detrimental effect upon the character of the district as a whole or in part, including but
not limited to:
1. The deterioration of exterior walls or other vertical supports.
2. The deterioration of roofs or other horizontal members.
3. The deterioration of exterior chimneys.
4. The deterioration or crumbling of exterior plaster or mortar.
5. The ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roofs and foundations including
broken windows or doors.
6. The deterioration of any feature so as to create or permit the creation of any
hazardous or unsafe, conditions or conditions.

§11.3.6 ACQUISITION OF HISTORIC EASEMENTS
Acquisition of historic easements

The county may acquire, by purchase or donation or eminent domain, historic easements in
any area within its jurisdiction wherever and to the extent that the County Board determines
that the acquisition will be in the public interest and as permitted by Virginia Law.
Transfer of development rights (TDRS)

The County Board may seek findings and recommendations from the Review Board on transfer
of development rights applications per §15.5.7.B.
Federal grants
The County Board may, wherever practicable, make use of federal grants as provided in the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Regulations
The County Board may from time to time promulgate, amend and rescind such regulations as it
may deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of these regulations.
Penalties
Penalties shall be as provided in Article 17.

Article 12. Use Standards
§12.1. Applicability
Uses allowed in this zoning ordinance shall be subject to the following special, use-specific provisions,
except as permitted by site plan approval or otherwise specified in the respective districts or in the
provisions of this article.
§12.2. Use Categories

General
A. Basis for classification
Use categories classify land uses and activities based on similar operational, product, or
physical characteristics. Characteristics include the type and amount of activity, the type
of customers or residents, type of goods or services, how goods or services are sold or
delivered, likely impact on surrounding properties and site conditions. The use categories
provide a systematic basis for assigning land uses to appropriate zoning districts.
B. Principal uses
Principal uses are assigned to the category that most closely corresponds to the nature of
the principal use. The “characteristics” subsection of each use category describes the
common characteristics of each principal use.
C. Buildings with multiple principal uses
When a building contains more than one use (principal or accessory), each use is subject
to all applicable use standards and regulations.
D. Accessory uses
Accessory uses are allowed in conjunction with principal uses unless otherwise stated in
the regulations or in the use tables. Also, unless otherwise stated, accessory uses are
subject to the same regulations as the principal use. Common accessory uses are listed as
examples in the use category descriptions.
E. Examples
The “examples” subsection of each use category lists common examples of uses included
in the respective use category.
1. The names of these sample uses are generic. They are based on common meanings
and not on what a specific use may call itself. For example, a use that calls itself
“wholesale warehouse” but that sells mostly to consumers, is included in the retail
sales and service category rather than the wholesale sales category because the
operational characteristics of the use match the description of the retail sales and
service category.
2. The list of examples included in each category is not an exhaustive list of uses for each
category.

§12.2 USE CATEGORIES ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.2.2 SIMILAR USE INTERPRETATIONS
F. Uses not included

The “uses not included” section provides cross-references to uses that might first appear
to be included in a particular category, but which in fact, are not intended to be included
in that category, or are explicitly included in a different use category.
Similar use interpretations

A. Authority
If an application is submitted for a use not listed in the respective use tables, the zoning
administrator shall be authorized to make a similar use interpretation, based on a
consideration of the following factors:
1. The characteristics of the proposed use in relation to the stated characteristics
identified for each use category;
2. The amount of site area, floor space and equipment necessary for the use;
3. The frequency and nature of sales or transactions from the use;
4. The number of on-site employees necessary for the use;
5. Hours of operation;
6. Building and site arrangement;
7. Vehicles necessary for the use;
8. The number of vehicle trips generated by the use;
9. Signs;
10. How the use describes and/or markets itself; and
11. Other factors that the Zoning Administrator determines would affect the consistency
of the use with the regulations of this Ordinance and with the purposes of master
plans in the County.
B. Use interpretation standards
1. A proposed use that is not permitted in one zoning district, but is permitted either by-
right or by special exception elsewhere in the ordinance, shall not be permitted in the
one zoning district based on a similar use interpretation.
2. No use will be permitted in any zoning district based on a similar use interpretation
unless the use complies with all applicable use standards and other requirements and
standards of this ordinance.
3. No proposed use will be determined to be similar to a use listed in a proposed zoning
district if the proposed use is more similar to uses allowed only in other zoning
districts than it is to uses allowed in the proposed zoning district.
4. If the Zoning Administrator finds that a proposed use is not similar to any use
permitted by this ordinance, then the Zoning Administrator shall find that the use is
not permitted.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.2 USE CATEGORIES
§12.2.3 RESIDENTIAL USE CATEGORIES
C. Effect of similar use interpretation

After a proposed use is determined, through a similar use interpretation made in
compliance with this ordinance §12.2.2, to be similar to a use listed in this zoning
ordinance, then the proposed use shall thereafter be permitted, in the same zoning
districts and in the same manner as and subject to all use or other standards or
regulations that govern the listed use. Where a proposed use is found to be similar to a
listed use, and the listed use is allowed only by special exception, then the similar use
interpretation shall authorize only the filing of a special exception application for that
proposed use, and the actual establishment of the proposed use shall be subject to the
preparation, filing, processing, and approving of all applications for permits or other
approvals that may be required for the listed use to which the proposed use is similar.
Residential use categories

A. Household living
1. Characteristics
Household Living is characterized by residential occupancy of a dwelling unit by a
family. Tenancy is arranged on a month-to-month or longer basis, except in limited
accessory capacity where explicitly allowed by this Ordinance. Principal uses where
tenancy may be arranged for a shorter period are not considered residential; they are
considered a form of transient lodging (see Overnight Accommodations and Social
Service Institutions).
2. Examples
Examples of Household Living include one-family detached; one-family attached;
duplexes; semidetached; townhouses; multiple-family buildings; retirement center
multiple-family; assisted living facility with individual dwelling units.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include accessory dwellings; accessory homestay; car-sharing; direct
broadcast satellite dishes; family/caregiver suites; family day care homes;
greenhouses and nurseries not engaged in retail trade; garden, guest house; personal;
hobbies; home occupations; parking of occupants’ registered vehicles; raising of pets;
recreational activities; storage sheds; and swimming pools.
4. Uses not included
Bed and breakfast establishments (see Overnight Accommodations); boarding or
rooming houses (see Group Living); extended-stay facilities (see Overnight
Accommodations); group home(see Group Living); halfway house (see Social Service
Institutions); hotels or motels; inns; nursing or convalescent home (see Group Living);
assisted living facility not having individual dwelling units (see Group Living).
B. Group living
1. Characteristics
Group Living is characterized by residential occupancy of a structure by a group of
people, other than a family, typically providing communal kitchen/dining facilities and
no kitchens in individual living units. The size of the group may be larger than a
family. Tenancy is typically arranged on a monthly or longer basis.

§12.2.4 PUBLIC, CIVIC AND IN STITUTIONAL USE CATEGORIES
2. Examples
Examples of group living include but are not limited to assisted living facilities not
having individual dwelling units, intermediate care, boarding houses, dormitories,
fraternity and sorority houses, convents, group homes, monasteries, rooming houses,
and nursing homes.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; garden, personal; hobbies; food preparation
and dining facilities; laundry facilities and services; parking of vehicles for occupants
and staff; and recreational facilities.
Adult day care (see Day Care); alternative or post-incarceration facilities; exclusive
care and treatment for psychiatric, alcohol, or drug problems, where patients are
residents (see Social Service Institutions); bed and breakfast establishments (See
Overnight Accommodations); child care center (see Day Care); retirement center
multiple-family, where individual units comply with the definition of a dwelling unit
(see Household Living); extended-stay facilities, hotels or motels, inns (see Overnight
Accommodations); family day care home (see Accessory Uses); residential occupancy
of a dwelling unit by a family on a month-to-month or longer basis (see Household
Living); time-shared interval ownership facility (see Overnight Accommodations);
treatment centers, transient lodging or shelters (see Social Service Institutions).
Public, civic and institutional use categories

A. Colleges
1. Characteristics
This category includes not-for-profit colleges and other institutions of higher learning
that offer courses of general or specialized study leading to a degree or professional
certification. Colleges are generally in campus-like settings, on multiple blocks or in
multiple buildings.
2. Examples
Examples include community colleges, liberal arts colleges, nursing or medical schools
not accessory to hospitals, seminaries, trade or commercial schools, and universities.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices, car-sharing, housing for students, food
service, laboratories, health and sports facilities, theaters, meeting areas, parking,
maintenance facilities and support commercial.
Business, driving, fitness/wellness, trade and other commercial schools (see Office).
B. Community service
1. Characteristics
Community services are uses of a public, nonprofit, or charitable nature generally
providing a local service to people of the community, neighborhood or a specific
segment of the community. Generally, they provide the service on-site or have
employees at the site on a regular basis. The service is ongoing, not just for special

events. Community services or facilities that have membership provisions are open to
the general population of the community or neighborhood and/or the general public,
to join at any time, (for instance, any senior citizen could join a senior center). Such
uses may provide special counseling, education, or training of a public, nonprofit or
charitable nature.
2. Examples
Examples of Community Service include community centers; libraries; museums and
art galleries or studios; cultural exhibits; philanthropic institutions; recreation centers;
senior centers; swimming pools; and youth club facilities.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; caretaker residence; food preparation and
dining facilities; health, arts and crafts, and therapy areas; on-site child care, schools,
or facilities where children are cared for while parents or guardians are occupied on
the premises, but not on a daily basis; indoor or outdoor recreation and athletic
facilities; limited retail sales; meeting areas; and parking.
Animal care facilities, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals (see Retail, Personal Service);
athletic or health clubs (see Retail, Personal Service); churches, mosques, synagogues,
or temples (see Religious Institutions); counseling in an office setting (see Office);
membership clubs and lodges (see Entertainment); public parks (see Parks and Open
Areas); repair garages, storage or repair yards or warehouses (see Light Industrial
Service); soup kitchen (see Social Service Institutions); treatment centers, transient
lodging or shelters for the homeless (see Social Service Institutions).
C. Day care
1. Characteristics
Day care uses provide care, protection, and supervision for children or adults on a
regular basis away from their primary residence for less than 24 hours each day.
2. Examples
Examples of day care include adult day care programs, child care centers (before- and
after-school or extended day programs, cooperative play groups, parents-day-out
programs, nursery schools and preschools), and day camps.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; food preparation and dining facilities;
health, arts and crafts and therapy areas; indoor or outdoor recreation facilities; and
parking.
Counseling in an office setting (see Office); family day care for fewer than 12 persons
(see Accessory Use); on-site schools or facilities operated in connection with a
business or other principal use where children are cared for while parents or
guardians are occupied on the premises (see Accessory Use); dance, art,
fitness/wellness, gymnastic or music studios or classes (see Retail, Personal Service).

D. Government facilities
1. Characteristics
Government facilities include storage, maintenance and other facilities for the
operation of local, state, or federal government.
2. Examples
Examples of government facilities include detention or correctional centers;
emergency medical and ambulance stations; fire and police stations; post offices;
maintenance and repair garages, storage areas and yards and warehouses; and public
transit facilities.
3. Accessory uses
Associated helicopter landing facilities; auditorium and meeting rooms; cafeterias; on-
site child care, schools, or facilities where children are cared for while parents or
guardians are occupied on the premises, but not on a daily basis; holding cells;
infirmaries; limited fueling facilities; off-street parking; satellite offices; storage; and
telecommunications antennae.
Schools (see Schools); local, state, or federal offices (see Offices); park-and-ride
facilities (see commercial parking) parks and recreational facilities (see Parks and
Open Areas); utilities including bus shelters; bike share stations (see Utilities); waste-
related service (see Waste-related Service).
E. Hospital
1. Characteristics
Hospitals include uses providing medical or surgical care to patients and may offer
overnight care.
2. Examples
Examples of hospitals include blood plasma donation centers; hospitals; sanitariums;
and medical centers.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated helicopter landing facilities; meeting rooms;
cafeterias; telecommunications; on-site child care, schools, or facilities where children
are cared for while parents or guardians are occupied on the premises, but not on a
daily basis; infirmaries; out-patient clinics; parking; satellite offices; laboratories;
teaching facilities; maintenance facilities and housing facilities for staff or trainees.
Exclusive care and treatment for psychiatric, alcohol, or drug problems, where
patients are residents (see Social Service Institutions); nursing and medical schools not
accessory to a hospital (see Schools); and urgent care or emergency medical offices
(Retail, Personal Service), and parks and open space.
F. Parks and open space
1. Characteristics
Parks and open space includes uses focusing on natural areas consisting mostly of

vegetation, and passive or active outdoor recreation areas, having few buildings, and
typically of a public or nonprofit nature.
2. Examples
Examples of parks and open space include botanical gardens; cemeteries and
mausoleums; community gardens; country clubs and golf courses; mini-parks;
memorial parks; forest and nature preserves; neighborhood parks; parks and play
fields; reservoirs; squares, plazas or greens; and tot lots and playgrounds.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include boat docks and launching ramps; boat houses; basketball
courts; clubhouses, with or without restaurants; concessions; maintenance facilities;
parking; play equipment; recreational trails; caretaker residence; swimming pools; and
tennis, racquet and handball courts.
Athletic or health clubs (see Retail, Personal-service); crematoriums (see Light
Industrial Service, or accessory uses to Retail, Personal Service); golf driving ranges
and miniature golf facilities (see Recreation); membership clubs and lodges (see
Entertainment); recreation centers (See Community Service); water park (see
Recreation); water towers, tanks and standpipes (see Utilities).
G. Passenger terminals and services
1. Characteristics
Facilities for the takeoff and landing of airplanes and helicopters and terminals for
taxi, rail or bus service.
2. Examples
Examples include airports and landing strips; bus, trolley, air, boat and rail passenger
terminals; heliports; and taxi dispatch center.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; concessions; freight handling areas; fueling
facilities; limited retail; maintenance facilities; and parking.
Private helicopter landing facilities that are accessory to another use (see Medical
Facilities or Government Facilities); public transit facilities, including bus shelters, bike
share stations (see minor utilities), and park-and-ride facilities (see commercial
parking).
H. Religious institutions
1. Characteristics
Places of assembly that provide meeting areas for religious practice.
2. Examples
Examples of religious institutions include churches, mosques, synagogues, and
temples.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; food services and dining areas; meeting

room/classroom for meetings or classes not held on a daily basis; parking; on-site
child care, schools or facilities where children are cared for while parents or guardians
are occupied on the premises or a site-sponsored special event, but not on a daily
basis; and staff residences located on-site.
Athletic or health clubs (see Retail Sales and Service, Personal-service Oriented);
schools (see Schools); child care centers, or adult day care programs (see Day Care);
rescue missions (see Social Service Institutions); revivals, temporary (see temporary
use standards); senior centers (see Community Service); and social service facilities
(see Social Service Institutions); soup kitchen (see Social Service Institutions); and
treatment centers, transient lodging or shelters for the homeless (see Social Service
Institutions).
I. Schools
1. Characteristics
Public and private (including charter or religious) schools at the primary, elementary,
middle, junior high, or high school level that provide basic academic education.
2. Examples
Examples of schools include boarding schools; elementary schools; high schools;
middle schools; military academies; and private schools.
3. Accessory uses
Adult continuing education programs; associated offices; auditoriums; before- and
after-school child care; cafeterias; food services; health facilities; housing for students
and faculty; laboratories; libraries; maintenance facilities; meeting areas; parking; play
areas; recreational and sports facilities; support commercial (a college-operated
bookstore, for example); and theaters.
Business, driving, fitness/wellness, trade and other commercial schools (see Office);
dance, art, music studios or classes (see Retail Sales and Service); child care centers,
excluding before- and after-school child care (see Day Care); and community colleges,
liberal arts colleges, seminaries and universities (see Colleges).
J. Social service institutions
1. Characteristics
Uses that primarily provide treatment of those with psychiatric, alcohol, or drug
problems, and transient housing or shelters related to social service programs.
2. Examples
Examples of social service institutions include alternative- or post-incarceration
facilities; counseling, occupational therapy services; exclusive care and treatment for
psychiatric, alcohol, or drug problems, where patients are residents; halfway houses;
neighborhood resource centers; rehabilitative clinics; rescue missions; social service
facilities, including soup kitchens, transient lodging or shelter for the homeless; and
treatment centers.

§12.2.5 RETAIL, SERVICE AND COMMERCIAL USE CATEGORIES
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include adult educational facility; ancillary indoor storage; associated
office; on-site child care, schools, or facilities where children are cared for while
parents or guardians are occupied on the premises, but not on a daily basis; food
services and dining area; meeting room; parking; and staff residences located on-site.
Assisted living facility (see Group Living); cemetery, columbarium, mausoleum,
memorial park (see Parks and Open Areas); schools (see Schools); philanthropic
institution (see Community Service); Retirement living facility with individual self-
contained dwelling units (see Household Living).
K. Utilities
1. Characteristics
Public or private infrastructure serving a limited area with no on-site personnel (minor
utility) or the general community and may have on-site personnel (major utility).
2. Examples
(a) Minor
Examples of minor utilities include lift stations; public transit facilities, including
bus shelters, bike share stations; stormwater retention and detention facilities;
traction power stations; and water and wastewater pump stations.
(b) Major
Examples of major utilities include electrical generating plants and substations;
electrical transmission facilities; incinerators; stormwater pumping station;
telephone exchanges; television and radio broadcasting transmitters; static
transformer stations; commercial and public utility radio towers; water and
wastewater treatment plants; water storage facilities; railroads and railroad
right-of-way and tracks.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include car-sharing; control, monitoring, data or transmission
equipment; parking; cell antennae; storage; and security measures, such as fences.
Governmental uses (see Governmental Facilities); maintenance or repair yards and
buildings (see Light Industrial Service);park-and-ride facilities (see commercial
parking); railroad car barns, yards, sidings and shops (see Heavy Industrial); reservoir
(see Parks and Open Areas); telecommunications towers and facilities (see
Telecommunications Towers and Facilities); TV and radio studios; and utility offices
(see Office);
Retail, service and commercial use categories

A. Entertainment
1. Characteristics
Generally commercial uses, varying in size, providing daily or regularly scheduled
entertainment-oriented activities.

2. Examples
Examples of entertainment uses include adult entertainment establishment; game
arcades; dance halls; movie or other theaters; and membership clubs and lodges.
3. Accessory uses
Associated offices; concessions; food preparation and dining areas; maintenance
facilities; parking; and restaurants.
4. Use not included
Botanical gardens; nature preserves; golf courses or country clubs (see Parks and
Open Areas).
B. Food Establishments
1. Characteristics
Establishments that prepare and sell food for on- or off-premise consumption.
2. Examples
Examples of Food Establishments include bakery; catering establishments, small scale;
coffee shops; fast food; outdoor vendors with permanent facilities; food delivery
establishments; restaurant, general; restaurant, limited; and yogurt, ice cream or
other specialty food shops.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include decks and patios for outdoor seating; drive-through facilities;
live music; hookah bars; off-street customer and employee parking; outdoor cafés or
service areas, and valet parking facilities.
Large-scale catering (see Light Industrial Service).
C. Office
1. Characteristics
Activities conducted in an office setting and generally focusing on business,
government, professional, medical, or financial services.
2. Examples
Examples of offices include advertising offices; business management consulting;
college or university operated as a commercial enterprise; counseling in an office
setting; day labor employment agency; data processing; financial services, such as
lenders, investment or brokerage houses, collection agencies, or real estate and
insurance agents; government; professional services such as lawyers, accountants,
bookkeepers, engineers, or architects; medical or dental offices or clinics, including
doctors, physicians, dentists, psychologists or similar practitioners of medical or
healing arts for humans and licensed for such practice by the state; sales office; travel
agency; television and radio studios; and utility offices.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include cafeterias; car-sharing; health facilities; meeting rooms;
parking; on-site child care, schools or facilities where children are cared for while
parents or guardians are occupied on the premises, but not on a daily basis; other

amenities primarily for the use of on-site employees; small retail operations for on-
site workers (with limited external signage); small retail operations for on-site workers
(with limited external signage); small personal service operations for on-site workers
(with limited external signage); telecommunications facilities; and technical libraries.
Branch banks (see Retail Sales and Service, Personal-service); contractors and others
who perform services off-site, but store equipment and materials or perform
fabrication or similar work on-site (see Light Industrial Service); mailing or
stenographic services (see Light Industrial Service); mail-order houses (see Wholesale
Trade); offices that are part of and located with a principal use in another category
(see Accessory Uses); research, testing and development laboratories (Light industrial
service); urgent care or emergency medical offices (see Retail Sales and Service,
Personal-services Oriented).
D. Overnight accommodations
1. Characteristics
Residential units arranged for short term stays of less than 30 days for rent or lease.
2. Examples
Examples of overnight accommodations include bed and breakfast establishments;
condominium hotels; recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds; extended-stay
facilities; hotels and motels; resort hotels and inns; and time-shared interval
ownership facility.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; car-sharing; food preparation and dining
facilities; laundry facilities; limited storage; meeting facilities; parking; and swimming
pools and other recreational facilities
Accessory homestay (see Household Living); transient lodging or shelters for the
homeless (see Social Service Institutions).
E. Parking, commercial
1. Characteristics
Facilities that provide parking not accessory to a specific use for which a fee may or
may not be charged.
2. Examples
Examples of commercial parking include mixed parking lots (partially accessory to a
specific use, partly to rent for others); public transit park-and-ride facilities; and short-
and long-term fee parking facilities.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include car-sharing; parking facilities that are accessory to a principal
use, but that charge the public to park for occasional events nearby (see Accessory
Use); sales or servicing of vehicles (see Vehicle Sales and Service).


Parking facilities accessory to other permitted uses.
F. Recreation
1. Characteristics
Generally commercial uses, varying in size, providing daily or regularly scheduled
recreation activities. Such activities may take place outdoors (outdoor recreation) or
within a number of structures (indoor recreation).
2. Examples
(a) Indoor recreation
Examples of indoor recreation uses include indoor recreation activities such as
billiard or pool halls, bowling alleys, tennis and racquetball courts and firing
ranges conducted within an enclosed building.
(b) Outdoor recreation
Examples of outdoor recreation uses include amusement parks; batting cages;
dog or horse tracks; fairgrounds; golf driving ranges, miniature golf facilities;
riding academies or boarding stables; stadiums and arenas; tennis and
racquetball courts; and water parks.
3. Accessory uses
Associated offices; concessions; food preparation and dining areas; maintenance
facilities; parking; and restaurants.
4. Use not included
Botanical gardens; nature preserves; golf courses or country clubs (see Parks and
Open Areas).
G. Retail
1. Characteristics
Companies or individuals involved in the sale, lease, or rental of new or used products,
or providing personal or repair services to the general public.
2. Examples
(a) Sales
Examples of retail sales include kiosks, second-hand stores; open air markets;
farm stands; and stores selling, leasing or renting consumer, home and business
goods including alcoholic beverages; appliances; art and antiques; art supplies;
auto supplies; baked goods; bicycles; books, stationary, cards; cameras; carpet
and floor coverings; crafts; clothing; computers; convenience goods; dry goods;
electronic equipment; fabric; flowers; furniture; garden supplies; groceries;
hardware; home improvements; household products; jewelry; liquor; meat, fish,
produce, beverages and/or specialty foods; medical supplies; musical
instruments; pet food and/or pets; pharmaceuticals; picture frames; office
supplies and equipment; plants; printed material; sporting goods; stationery;
tobacco and related products; and vehicle parts.

(b) Personal service

Examples of personal service retail include animal care facilities, veterinary
clinics, animal hospitals; animal grooming; athletic or health clubs; branch banks;
bike shops; body art studios; business services; dance, art, fitness/wellness,
gymnastic or music studios or classes; doggie day care; dry-cleaning, laundry and
laundromat; hair, nail, tanning, day spa and personal care services; mortuaries
and funeral homes; music conservatory or music instruction; pawnshops;
photocopy, blueprint and quick-sign services; photographic studios; psychics and
mediums; private postal services; security services; taxidermists; urgent care or
emergency medical offices; and technical equipment and support services.
(c) Repair-oriented
Examples of repair-oriented retail sales and service include locksmiths; repair of
appliances, bicycles, canvas products, clocks, computers, guns, jewelry, musical
instruments, office equipment, radios, shoes, televisions and watches; tailors and
milliners; and upholsterers.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; crematorium; food preparation and dining
areas; manufacture or repackaging of goods for on-site sale; parking; parking
lot/sidewalk sales; production services; and storage of goods.
Adult entertainment; large-scale catering (see Light Industrial Service); carpet cleaning
plants (see Light Industrial Service); lumber yards and other building material sales
that sell primarily to contractors and do not have a retail orientation (see Wholesale
Trade); office or clinic, medical and dental (see Office); repair and service of motor
vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, and light and medium trucks (see
Vehicle Sales and Service); restaurants (see Food Establishments); sale or rental of
machinery, equipment, heavy trucks, building supplies and lumber, special trade tools,
welding supplies, machine parts, electrical supplies, janitorial supplies, restaurant
equipment and store fixtures (see Wholesale Trade).
H. Self-service storage
1. Characteristics
Facilities providing separate storage areas for personal or business use designed to
allow private access by the tenant for storing or removing personal property.
2. Examples
Typical uses include mini-warehouses; and self-storage warehouses.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include leasing offices; outside storage of boats and campers; and
single residential unit for security purposes.
Rental of light or medium trucks (see Vehicle Sales and Service); storage areas used as
manufacturing uses (see Light Industrial Services); storage areas used for sales, service
and repair operations (see Retail Sales and Service); transfer and storage businesses
where there are no individual storage areas or where employees are the primary

§12.2.6 INDUSTRIAL USE CATEGORIES
movers of the goods to be stored or transferred (see Warehouse and Freight

Movement)
I. Vehicle sales and service
1. Characteristics
Direct sales of and service to passenger vehicles, light and medium trucks and other
consumer motor vehicles such as motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles.
2. Examples
Examples of vehicles sales and service include fuel stations; body shops, auto paint
shops, upholstery shops; auto detailing, auto repair, battery sales and installation,
quick lubrication facilities, tire sales and mounting, car washes; vehicle sales, rental, or
leasing facilities, including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, light and medium trucks,
boats and other recreational vehicles.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include associated offices; car-sharing; parking; sales of parts; towing
vehicle fueling; and vehicle storage.
Refueling facilities for fleet vehicles that belong to a specific use (see Accessory Use);
retail sales of farm equipment and machinery and earth moving and heavy
construction equipment (see Heavy Industrial); vehicle parts sales as a principal use
(see Retail); vehicle storage lots and towing services as a principal use (see Light
Industrial Service).
Industrial use categories

A. Light industrial service
1. Characteristics
Firms are engaged in the repair or servicing of industrial, business, or consumer
machinery, equipment, products, or by-products. Firms that service consumer goods
do so mainly by providing centralized services for separate retail outlets. Contractors
and building maintenance services and similar uses perform services off-site. Few
customers, especially the general public, come to the site.
2. Examples
Examples of light industrial service include agricultural implement sales/service;
building, heating, plumbing or electrical contractors; building maintenance facilities
and services; catering establishments, large scale; contractors and others who
perform services off-site, but store equipment and materials or perform fabrication or
similar work on-site; carpet cleaning plants; clothing or textile manufacturing;
commercial bakeries; crematoriums; dry cleaning plants; exterminators; mailing and
stenographic services; manufacture or assembly of consumer equipment, instruments
(including musical instruments), precision items and other electrical items;
manufacture or production of artwork and toys; medical or dental laboratories;
photo-finishing laboratories; printing, publishing and lithography, small scale;
production of artwork and toys; research, testing and development laboratories; sign
making; storage areas used as manufacturing uses; maintenance or repair yards and

buildings; truck stop or truck plaza; vehicle and equipment maintenance facilities;
vehicle storage lots and towing services; welding, machine and tool repair shops;
woodworking, including cabinet makers and furniture manufacturing.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include cafeterias; on-site child care, schools, or facilities where
children are cared for while parents or guardians are occupied on the premises, but
not on a daily basis; employee recreational facilities; offices; parking; on-site repair
facilities; single residential unit for security purposes; and storage.
Manufacture and production of goods from composting organic material (see Waste-
related Service); and catering establishments, small-scale (see Food Establishments);
manufacture and maintenance of electric and neon signs, billboards, or commercial
advertising structures (see Manufacturing and Production); plumbing or sheet metal
shop (see Manufacturing and Production).
B. Manufacturing and production
1. Characteristics
Manufacturing and production firms are involved in the manufacturing, processing,
fabrication, packaging, or assembly of goods. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or
partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished
and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to
order for firms or consumers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on-site, but if
so, they are a subordinate part of sales. Relatively few customers come to the
manufacturing site.
2. Examples
Bakery, large scale; boatworks, small; catering establishment, large-scale; food and
related products processing; food processing and packing; lumber mills; manufacture
or production of chemical, rubber, leather, clay (previously pulverized only), bone,
plastic, stone, or glass materials or products; manufacture or assembly of appliances,
heating or ventilating ducts and equipment, machinery, or vehicles; manufacture and
maintenance of electric and neon signs, billboards, or commercial advertising
structures; manufacture, production or fabrication of metals or metal products
including enameling and galvanizing, manufactured housing unit production and
fabrication; monument works; ornamental iron work shop; printing, publishing and
lithography, large scale; pulp and paper mills and other wood products
manufacturing; research laboratory, including but not limited to pure research,
product development, pilot plants and research manufacturing facilities; weaving or
production of textiles or apparel.
Manufacturing of goods to be sold primarily on-site and to the general public (See
Retail Sales and Service); manufacture and production of goods from composting
organic material (See Waste-Related Uses); rendering or refining of fats and oils (see
Heavy Industrial); shipbuilding (See Heavy Industrial); sign making (see Light
Industrial).

C. Heavy industrial
1. Characteristics
Firms involved in research and development activities without light fabrication and
assembly operations; limited industrial/manufacturing activities. The uses emphasize
industrial businesses and sale of heavier equipment. Factory production and
industrial yards are located here. Sales to the general public are limited.
2. Examples
Any use that is potentially dangerous, noxious or offensive to neighboring uses in the
district or those who pass on public ways by reason of smoke, odor, noise, glare,
fumes, gas, vibration, threat of fire or explosion, emission of particulate matter,
interference with radio, television reception, radiation or any other likely cause;
animal processing, packing, treating, and storage; concrete batching and asphalt
processing and manufacture; livestock or poultry slaughtering; processing of food and
related product; production of chemical, rubber, leather, clay, bone, paper, pulp,
plastic, stone, or glass materials or products; production or fabrication of metals or
metal products including enameling and galvanizing; sawmill; bulk storage of
flammable liquids; stockyards and other animal concentrations; earth moving and
heavy construction equipment; manufacturing of acid, acetylene, cement lime,
gypsum or plaster-of-Paris, chlorine, corrosive acid or fertilizer, insecticides,
disinfectants, fertilizer poisons, explosives, glue, paint, lacquer, varnish, petroleum
products, coal products, plastic and synthetic resins and radioactive materials;
distillation of bones; explosives manufacture or storage; fat or oil rendering or
refining; shipbuilding; smelting of ores; oil refining; railroad car barns, yards, sidings
and shops; and wholesale storage of petroleum products.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include cafeterias; drainage structures; offices; parking; product repair;
repackaging of goods; and warehouses.
Animal waste processing (see Waste-related Service); repair and service of motor
vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and light and medium trucks (see Vehicle Sales and
Service); stores selling, leasing, or renting consumer, home and business goods (see
Retail Sales and Service).
D. Warehouse and freight movement
1. Characteristics
Firms involved in the storage or movement of goods for themselves or other firms.
Goods are generally delivered to other firms or the final consumer with little on-site
sales activity to customers.
2. Examples
Examples of warehouse and freight movement include cold storage plants, including
frozen food lockers; household moving and general freight storage; parcel services;
separate warehouses used by retail stores such as furniture and appliance stores;
stockpiling of sand, gravel, or other aggregate materials; and transfer and storage
businesses, where there are no individual storage areas or where employees are the
primary movers of the goods to be stored or transferred.

3. Accessory uses
not on a daily basis; employee recreational facilities; offices; parking; outdoor storage
yard; single residential unit for security purposes; and truck fleet parking and
maintenance areas.
Mini-warehouses, multi-story enclosed storage facilities or storage garages (see self-
service storage); solid or liquid waste transfer or composting (see Waste-related
Service).
E. Waste-related service
1. Characteristics
Characterized by uses that receive solid or liquid wastes from others for transfer to
another location and uses that collect sanitary wastes or that manufacture or produce
goods or energy from the composting of organic material.
2. Examples
Examples of waste-related service include animal waste processing; landfill;
manufacture and production of goods from composting organic material; recycling
centers; solid or liquid waste transfer; separation and disposal facilities, including
incinerators; and wrecking or salvage yard.
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include offices, parking, on-site refueling and repair, recycling of
materials, and repackaging and shipment of by-products.
Stockpiling of sand, gravel, or other aggregate materials (See Warehouse and Freight
Movement).
F. Wholesale trade
1. Characteristics
Firms involved in the sale, lease, or rent of products primarily intended for industrial,
institutional, agricultural, or commercial businesses. The uses emphasize on-site sales
or order-taking and often include display areas. Businesses may or may not be open
to the general public, but sales to the general public are limited. Products may be
picked up on-site or delivered to the customer.
2. Examples
Examples of wholesale trade include lumber yards and other building material sales
that sell primarily to contractors and do not have a retail orientation; beverage
distribution facilities; mail-order houses; sale or rental of machinery, equipment,
heavy trucks, building supplies and lumber, special trade tools, welding supplies,
machine parts, electrical supplies, janitorial supplies, restaurant equipment and store
fixtures; wholesale of food, clothing, auto parts and building hardware.
3. Accessory uses

§12.2.7 OTHER USE CATEGORIES
not on a daily basis; minor fabrication services; offices; parking; product repair;
repackaging of goods; single residential unit for security purposes; and warehouses.
Stores selling, leasing, or renting consumer, home and business goods (see Retail Sales
and Service); warehouse and freight movement uses (see Warehouse and Freight
Movement).
Other use categories

A. Agriculture
1. Characteristics
Characterized by uses that create or preserve areas intended primarily for the raising
of animals and crops, conservation, and the secondary industries associated with
agricultural production.
2. Examples
Animal boarding, outdoor; animal raising including horses, hogs, cows, sheep, goats,
and swine, poultry, rabbits, and other small animals; apiculture, aquaculture, dairying,
personal or commercial animal breeding and development; community garden;
greenhouse or nursery; floriculture, horticulture, pasturage, row and field crops,
viticulture, sod farm, silviculture; livestock auction; milk processing plant; packing
house for fruits or vegetables; plant nursery; and poultry slaughtering and dressing.
3. Accessory uses
Aircraft landing strip or helicopter landing facility (private); ancillary indoor storage;
associated offices; auction ring; barns, garages, sheds, silos, stables (noncommercial);
dock or pier (noncommercial); home occupations; housing for ranch or farm labor;
sale of agricultural products; and u-pick facilities.
Animal waste processing (see Waste-related Service); borrow pit, mining (see
resource extraction); citrus concentrate plant, commercial feed lot, livestock
slaughtering, processing of food and related products (see Heavy Industrial);
commercial hunting or fishing camp, dude ranch (see Recreation, Outdoor); garden
center (see Retail Sales and Service); riding academy or public stable (see Recreation,
Outdoor); and recyclable construction material storage, solid or liquid waste transfer
or composting, (see Waste-related Service); and railroad right-of-way, new (see
Utilities).
B. Resource extraction
1. Characteristics
Characterized by uses that extract minerals and other solids and liquids from land.
2. Examples
Examples include mining; extraction of phosphate or minerals; and extraction of sand
or gravel, borrow pit.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.3 RESIDENTIAL USE STANDARDS
§12.3.1 BOARDING OR ROOMING HOUSES
3. Accessory uses
Accessory uses include ancillary indoor storage; associated offices; equipment
storage; resource processing; and stockpiling of sand, gravel, or other aggregate
materials.
Concreate batching and asphalt processing and manufacture (see Heavy Industrial);
recyclable construction material storage (see Waste-related Service); solid or liquid
waste transfer or composting (see Waste-related Service).
C. Telecommunications facilities
1. Characteristics
Telecommunications facilities are signal distribution systems used or operated by a
telecommunications carrier under a license from the FCC consisting of a combination
of improvements and equipment including (i) one or more antennas, (ii) a supporting
structure and the hardware by which antennas are attached; (iii) equipment housing;
and (iv) accessory building and equipment such as signal transmission cables and
miscellaneous hardware.
2. Accessory uses
Accessory uses may include transmitter facility buildings.
3. Examples
Examples include, attached telecommunications equipment, broadcast towers; point-
to-point microwave towers; telecommunications support towers.
Amateur radio facilities that are owned and operated by a federally-licensed amateur
radio station operator and receive-only antennas (see Accessory Uses); radio and
television studios (see Office category); direct broadcast satellite dishes (see
Household Living).
D. Unclassified
Unclassified uses are uses that cannot reasonably be categorized as currently adopted
according to the comprehensive use classification system of this section because the use is
qualified by special or unique standards or procedures not normally associated the use or
its characteristic.
§12.3. Residential Use Standards

Boarding or rooming houses
Individual guest rooms may not contain kitchens.
Caretaker residence
One dwelling unit for a caretaker or resident manager serving a storage or warehouse complex
within the district may be permitted, provided that such dwelling unit is developed as an
integral part of the storage or warehouse complex on the site and that the complex contains a
minimum of 35,000 square feet of gross floor area.

§12.3 RESIDENTIAL USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.3.3 DORMITORIES
Dormitories
Dormitories shall not be operated primarily for commercial gain.
Townhouse, semidetached and existing one-family

Townhouse and semidetached dwelling units and existing one-family dwelling units may be
allowed at densities up to those allowed under the General Land Use Plan designation then
applicable to the site, but not to exceed the density specified for the respective districts below.
RA14-26
RA-4.8
RC
Zoning District RA-H-3.2 RA8-18 RA6-15
Density, Maximum (units/acre) 14 22 29
A. Existing one-family dwelling units shall be allowed only as appropriate and integral parts
of the design of the proposed townhouse development.
B. No more than one-seventh or two of the dwelling units, whichever is greater, shall be
semidetached.
C. The County Board may, in its discretion, approve variations in setback, yard, lot size,
coverage, and parking requirements to achieve a design appropriate for the site and
project.
Fraternities and sororities

Fraternity and sorority houses shall not be operated primarily for commercial gain.
Group homes
Group homes, that are licensed homes for adults under the Code of Virginia, may have up to 75
percent of the units with individual kitchens provided that there are central cooking and eating
facilities that serve all the units in such a home.
Low and moderate income housing

A. Site plan options
When a site with an area of more than 20,000 square feet, or with 10 or more existing
dwelling units, is sought to be used in a manner inconsistent with existing regulations for
height, setback, yard, coverage, or parking, or is sought to be developed using additional
residential density, the County Board may allow exceptions, after application for a site
plan approval consistent with §15.5, in order to achieve a design appropriate for the site,
project, and the surrounding area. The County Board may approve additional height and
density based on the provision of low or moderate income housing as provided in §15.5.8.
The County Board, in its discretion, may modify regulations on height, setback, yard,
coverage, or parking requirements and may approve up to a 25 percent increase in
residential density above the density shown in §12.3.7.A.1 below, for a project that
provides low or moderate-income housing as regulated in §15.5.9, provided that:
1. Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve a building with a height
greater than that shown in the table below unless approved as specifically provided in
§15.5.9.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.3 RESIDENTIAL USE STANDARDS
§12.3.7 LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
Height, Maximum Density (units per acre)

230F
General (feet) Up to 25 percent above

District may be approved
RA14-26
RA7-16
RA4.8
60 24
R-C
RA-H
RA-H-3.2
RA8-18
60 36
RA6-15 70 48
2. Parking for new dwelling units shall be provided as required in §14.3. However, the
number of parking spaces per existing dwelling unit preserved shall be no less than
the number of parking spaces per dwelling unit on the site at the time of application.
B. Use permit options
1. When a building is proposed to be used for the purpose of providing low or moderate
income housing, and the land, buildings or structures on the site do not conform to
the regulations of this Zoning Ordinance, the County Board may, by use permit
approval pursuant to §15.4, approve additions to or enlargement of building(s) on the
property, and modification of regulations on setback, yard, coverage, parking, and/or
density. Provided, however, that no use permit shall be approved unless the proposal
includes a low or moderate income housing plan that furthers the County Board
adopted Goals and Targets for Affordable Housing and a request for designation as a
Voluntary Coordinated Housing Preservation and Development District (VCHPDD) by
the County Board. Provided further that, under no circumstances shall the County
Board approve a use permit to allow:
(a) The greater of either 1) the height permitted in the table below; or 2) the height
already legally existing on the site at the time of application; or
Eligible
District(s) Height, Maximum (feet)
RA14-26
RA4.8 35 feet or 3½ stories, or height already legally existing on the site at the time of
R-C application, whichever is greater
RA-H-3.2
40 feet or 4 stories or height already legally existing on the site at the time of application,
RA8-18
whichever is greater
RA7-16 95 feet or 10 stories, or height already legally existing on the site at time of application,
RA-H whichever is greater
60 feet or 6 stories, or height already legally existing on the site at the time of
RA6-15
application, whichever is greater
(b) Additional density beyond the number of units already legally existing on the site at
the time of application.
2. When a site with an area of 20,000 square feet or less is sought to be used in a
manner inconsistent with existing regulations for height, setback, yard, coverage, or
parking, the County Board may allow exceptions, after application for a use permit as
provided for in §15.4, in order to achieve a design which is appropriate for the site,
project, and the surrounding area, provided the site has been designated a Voluntary
Coordinated Housing Preservation and Development District (VCHPDD) by the County

§12.3 RESIDENTIAL USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.3.8 TOWNHOUSE PROJECTS W ITHIN THE FORT MYER HEIGHTS NORTH SPECIAL DISTRICT
Board. Existing multiple-family dwellings may be permitted to increase density up to

the maximum density shown in the table below where provision is made for low or
moderate income housing, and where a low or moderate income housing plan has
been submitted as part of a use permit application. The County Board, in its
discretion, may, in approving the use permit, modify regulations on height, setback,
yard, coverage, or parking, provided that:
(a) Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve a building with a height
greater than that shown in the table below;
Eligible Height, Maximum Density, Maximum
District(s) (ft.) (units per acre)
RA14-26
RA4.8
45 24
R-C
RA-H-3.2
RA8-18
RA7-16 50 36
RA-H
RA6-15 70 36
(b) Parking for new dwelling units shall be provided as required in §14.3. However, the
number of parking spaces per dwelling units preserved shall be no less than the
number of parking spaces per dwelling unit on the site at the time of application.
Townhouse projects within the Fort Myer Heights North Special District
Townhouse projects within the Fort Myer Heights North Special District for which building
permit applications have been submitted to the Inspection Services Division on or before April
15, 2005 shall be allowed under the provision of this ordinance as it existed on or prior to April
15, 2005.
Townhouse projects within the Housing Conservation District

For townhouse development projects located within the Housing Conservation District, as
designated on the General Land Use Plan, the following shall apply:
A. Any townhouse development project for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued
prior to November 18, 2017 shall not require site plan approval to obtain building permits
for interior and exterior repairs and alterations, additions or expansions that comply with
all current provisions of this zoning ordinance.
B. Townhouse development projects for which building permit applications have been
submitted to the Inspection Services Division on or before November 18, 2017 shall not
require site plan approval prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, and shall be
allowed under the provision of this ordinance as it existed on or prior to November 18,
2017.
One-family detached dwellings

In all R districts, except in townhouse dwelling developments, there shall be no more than one
main residential building and its accessory buildings on one lot.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.4 PUBLIC AND CIVIC USE STANDARDS
§12.3.11 TWO-FAMILY (DUPLEXES AND SEMIDETACHED) ABUTTING RA, C OR M D ISTRICTS OR LOCATED ON A PRINCIPAL
OR MINOR ARTERIAL STREET
Two-family (duplexes and semidetached) abutting RA, C or M districts or

located on a principal or minor arterial street
Two-family dwellings (semidetached and duplex dwellings), on sites that share a lot line with
RA, C, or M districts, shall be located no more than 100 feet from the shared lot line, or on sites
that are located on principal or minor arterial streets as designated on the Arlington County
Master Transportation Plan provided that the dwellings front on the principal or minor arterial
street, exception corner lots where no more than one unit may front on the local street.
§12.4. Public and Civic Use Standards

Day care uses
Child care centers, except for before- and after-school programs, shall be licensed pursuant to
Chapter 52 of the Arlington County Code.
Hospitals
Hospitals may be allowed in R districts, such that any building so used shall be set back not less
than 100 feet from any lot line or street line; and doctors’ offices in buildings already being
used exclusively as such pursuant to other zoning provisions or variances previously granted,
and a one-time addition thereto provided such addition does not exceed 25 percent of the
existing total gross floor area of the building being so used.
Publicly-owned parking areas

Publicly-owned parking areas shall be allowed subject to the following conditions:
A. The parking areas shall be developed in accordance with the requirements of §14.3;
B. No parking shall be located within 25 feet of the boundary of an R district;
C. The parking area shall have frontage on a street designated as a local principal, minor
arterial, principal arterial, or controlled access facility as designated in the Arlington
County Master Transportation Plan.
Passenger terminals and services

Passenger terminals may be allowed provided the exterior appearance of any building shall be
in keeping with the character of the neighborhood in which it is located.
Railroad, trolley, bus, air or boat passenger stations

The exterior appearance of any building permitted under this paragraph shall be in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood in which it is located.
Recreation centers
Recreation centers shall not be operated primarily for commercial gain.
Schools, elementary, middle and high
A. A transportation demand management plan shall be submitted with use permit

applications for elementary, middle and high schools.
B. Any school operating and accredited by the state board of education prior to August 8,
1992 may continue to operate without obtaining a use permit as required in §15.4.

§12.4 PUBLIC AND CIVIC USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.4.8 SWIMMING POOLS, COMMUNITY, SEMI-PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL
C. Relocatable structures may be added to any public school site through an administrative
change per §15.4.7 when in conformance with the standards set forth in §12.10.9.
Swimming pools, community, semi-public and commercial

All community, semi-public and commercial swimming pools shall comply with the following
requirements:
A. Fencing
Notwithstanding the maximum fence height requirements specified in §3.2.6.A.3(e), the
fencing or protection shall be no less than six feet in height.
B. Lighting
Where lighting is provided, all lights shall be arranged and hooded as to confine all direct
light rays entirely within the boundary lines of the swimming pool property.
C. Location
No pool facility, building, structure, concession or other recreational use or space, except
parking areas, shall be permitted in any required setback or yard area nor shall any such
facility be permitted closer than 100 feet to the center line of any street in an R district or
abutting property line in an R district.
1. Community pool parking areas shall not be located closer to the front street line or
front site boundary than the building line established in the district in which the site is
located.
D. Refreshments
Refreshments shall be allowed only as an incidental part of a swimming pool development
and shall be operated solely for convenience. Refreshments shall be available only during
the hours and the season when the pool is open for operation.
E. Modification of use standards for community swimming pools
1. For community swimming pools as defined in §18.2, the County Board may, through
use permit approval pursuant to §15.4, modify the applicable regulations for fencing,
coverage, and placement, including the location requirements specified in §12.4.8.C.
Such modifications may be approved when the County Board finds that the
modification will appropriately balance the impacts of the structures, facilities, and
other on-site features of the community swimming pool with the general welfare of
the public and the interests of the immediately surrounding neighborhoods in
accordance with §15.4.3, subject to such conditions as the County Board may deem
appropriate such as, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Limiting the impacts of the community swimming pool’s structures, buildings,
gathering spaces, and open spaces on adjacent residential neighborhoods through
a combination of landscaping, fencing, open spaces, or other buffering alternatives;
and
(b) Limiting the operating hours of the community swimming pool to reduce impacts
on surrounding residential neighborhoods.
F. Private swimming pools shall be subject to the requirements listed in §12.9.17.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.5 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE STANDARDS
§12.4.9 UTILITIES, MAJOR
Utilities, major
The exterior appearance of any building associated with major utilities shall be in keeping with
the character of the neighborhood in which it is located.
Utilities, minor
The exterior appearance of any building associated with minor utilities shall be in keeping with
the character of the neighborhood in which it is located.
§12.5. Commercial/Mixed Use Standards

Adult book stores
A. An establishment having at any point in time for sale or viewing for payment, at least 20
percent of its books, magazines, newspapers, photographs, or other similar articles
sexually oriented is defined as an "adult book store" and must have a use permit
regardless of the district in which it is located.
B. The requirement for a use permit shall apply to all such adult book stores existing after
the effective date of this section, and to all such establishments existing on the effective
date to the extent possible under the United States and Virginia Constitutions and under
the statutes of Virginia.
C. A sexually oriented article is defined as a book, magazine, picture, newspaper, photograph
or similar article which, when taken as whole, appeals to and is intended to appeal to, the
prurient interest of a purchaser or viewer by means of one or more of the following:
1. Representation or description of ultimate sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or
simulated.
2. Representations or descriptions of masturbation or excretory functions.
3. Lewd exhibition of the genitals.
D. In calculating the total number of books, magazines, newspapers, pictures, photographs
or other similar articles which are in an establishment at any point in time, only those
which are actually and regularly sold or viewed for payment at prices comparable to those
charged for the sexually oriented articles shall be included. The 20 percent limit shall
apply to each type of sexually oriented article, i.e., if an establishment has sexually
oriented magazines, the number of such magazines shall not exceed 20 percent of all
magazines unless permitted by use permit.
E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the purveying of obscene materials
prohibited by any criminal law.
Animal care facilities, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals
A. In the CM district, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed
building, except for on-site parking of delivery vehicles which are incidental thereto.
B. In all other zoning districts, animal hospitals and veterinary clinics may be allowed,
provided all related activities are conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building.
Bed and breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts may be permitted with the following limitations:

§12.5 COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.5.4 COMMERCIAL PARKING
A. Any bed and breakfast must have a use permit, as specified in §15.4.
B. Bed and breakfasts shall comply with all applicable requirements of county and state
codes.
C. A bed and breakfast shall be operated by a resident owner.
D. The operator of a bed and breakfast shall obtain a certificate of occupancy for that
purpose before the operation of the bed and breakfast commences.
E. Guests may stay in a bed and breakfast for no more than 14 consecutive days per stay.
F. Each bed and breakfast shall maintain an accurate record of each guest and the duration
of his stay. The record may be reviewed by the county upon notice.
G. Bed and breakfasts shall neither contain a restaurant or banquet facility nor provide meal
service other than breakfast.
H. No cooking facilities shall be provided for use by guests of a bed and breakfast.
I. Only one nonresident employee at any time shall be permitted to work on the premises of
a bed and breakfast.
J. Bed and breakfasts shall be located only on minor arterial streets or principal arterial
streets as designated in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.
K. Bed and breakfasts must be located on lots that meet or exceed the minimum lot area
requirement for the district in which the lot is located.
L. Parking shall be provided as required in §14.3.7.A.
M. The exterior of the one-family in which the bed and breakfast is operated shall maintain
its one-family dwelling character.
N. To assist the county in determining whether a bed and breakfast will maintain its
residential character and will meet the standards for use permit approval set forth in
§15.4.3, any use permit application for a bed and breakfast must be accompanied by a
plan showing the type and location of proposed parking, landscaping and exterior lighting.
Commercial parking
Parking lots shall be allowed as follows:
A. C-1 and C-R districts
Permitted by use permit, with or without improvements deferred as regulated in
§14.3.4.A
B. C-O-A, C-2, C-TH, C-3, CM, M-1, and M-2 districts
1. Permitted by right: Up to 50 spaces or lot area of 20,000 square feet
2. Permitted by use permit: More than 50 spaces or lot area of 20,000 square feet
C. MU-VS district
1. Permitted by right: Up to 20 spaces or lot area of 20,000 square feet.
2. Parking lots of more than 20 spaces are prohibited.

§12.5.5 DRUG STORES
Drug stores
A. Delivery of products to off-site locations is permitted when it involves less than 20 percent
of the amount of sales.
B. Outdoor display and sales of general merchandise is permitted in C and M districts, only as
provided in §12.5.21.
Dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromats

In the C-1-R, C-1 and C-R districts, dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromats shall employ only
equipment that uses synthetic, nonflammable solvent and have an aggregate maximum rated
capacity of not more than 40 pounds and not more than one truck or vehicle shall be employed
for pickup and delivery; and no cleaning establishment shall serve any other retail branches.
Entertainment uses
Entertainment uses shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building
Florist or gift shop

A. Delivery of flowers to off-site locations is permitted when it involves less than 30 percent
of the amount of the sales from these stores.
Outdoor display and sales of general merchandise is permitted in C and M districts, only as
Grocery stores, convenience

A. Convenience grocery, fruit or vegetable stores shall be limited to a gross floor area of
2,600 square feet.
Grocery stores
A. Delivery of groceries to off-site locations is permitted when it involves less than 30
percent of the amount of the sales from these stores.
Hotels or motels
A. Hotels and motels shall have a lot area of not less than 600 square feet for each individual
sleeping or living unit, unless otherwise specified in the underlying district.
B. Each guest room shall be not less than 240 square feet.
Kiosks
A. Purpose
These regulations are intended to provide for flexible, site-specific opportunities to
encourage and enliven pedestrian activity within the streetscape and provide for an
eclectic mix of small businesses and community information in certain commercial

§12.5.12 KIOSKS
districts. The placement of kiosks should promote public use and enjoyment of the open
area and should complement permitted uses in the surrounding area.
B. Use
Kiosks may be occupied by uses such as news or magazine stands, takeout food stands,
candy stands, flower stands, information booths, ticket sales or other similar uses as
determined by the zoning administrator.
C. Placement
1. Kiosks, as defined in Article 18, and any directly associated merchandise on display
within the kiosk or within two feet from said kiosk, may be permitted, on privately
owned property, within the required setback or within parks, public rights- of-way or
easements for public use subject to regulations set forth herein and upon approval of
a use permit as provided for in §15.4.
2. One kiosk shall be permitted for every 5,000 square feet of publicly accessible,
contiguous open area abutting a sidewalk or street right-of-way (e.g. plaza); however,
this shall not preclude the clustering of two or more kiosks within a larger open area.
3. Kiosk placement shall not impede or be located within any pedestrian circulation path.
Kiosks, and any directly associated merchandise, must allow at least 10 feet of the
sidewalk (public rights of way or easements) to remain clear for pedestrian traffic.
4. No kiosk or any directly associated merchandise may be placed with 10 feet from any
crosswalk, intersection, entrance to a building, Metro entrance, bus stop, or a taxi
stand.
5. No kiosk may be placed within the visual clearance area as defined in §3.2.6.A.4.
6. Any area occupied by a kiosk shall not be used in the calculation of floor area ratio.
D. Operation
1. Kiosks must be in operation and provide service a minimum of 275 days per year and a
minimum of eight hours on each day between the hours 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
2. Kiosks shall be exempt from any parking requirement.
3. Kiosks shall be operated by a licensed vendor under the provisions of Chapter 30,
Peddlers, Vendors and Canvassers, of the Arlington County Code.
E. Review 213F
1. Kiosks that comply with the provisions of the sections and are allowed in the
applicable district may be permitted upon determination by the County Board that:
(a) A party has been identified who is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the
kiosk;
(b) As located, the kiosk will not obstruct visual or physical access to and throughout
the streetscape and will not create a distraction or other danger to vehicular traffic;
and
(c) The kiosk is in accordance with the requirements set forth in this §12.5.12 (see
subsections 1, 2, and 3(a) and 3(b).

§12.5.13 MEMBERSHIP CLUBS AND LODGES
2. All applications for the placement of kiosks shall include a detailed plan(s) showing
location and design of the kiosk indicating compliance with the provisions of the
sections. The plan(s), at a scale of 1 inch=25 feet, shall include, at a minimum, the
following:
(a) Vicinity map with major streets labeled;
(b) Verification, by means of survey, that there are no conflicts between the proposed
kiosk, street trees and utilities;
(c) Location and dimensions between the proposed kiosk and any traffic signal poles
and control cabinets, utility meters, fire hydrants, standpipes, utility lines and any
and all easements;
(d) Topography at two foot intervals, and the finished first floor elevation of the kiosk.
(e) Details of proposed furnishings for the plaza areas, including but not limited to
dimensions, size, style(s), materials(s), finish(es), and manufacturer(s) of the kiosk,
seating, trash receptacles, and any other landscape elements or structures.
(f) Proposed sign elements and the transparency of the structure;
(g) If no restroom facility for employee use is provided within the kiosk, proof of
available restroom facilities for employee use, within 500 feet of the kiosk
structure, during kiosk business hours; and
(h) If food items are to be served from the kiosk, documentation of review and
approval by the Arlington County Department of Human Services—Environmental
Health Bureau.
3. The zoning administrator/county manager shall provide notice of the application(s) to
the affected civic association, county public-private partnership and/or business
improvement district (BID). The County Board may approve the placement of a kiosk
for a period of 10 years unless earlier revoked as provided below, and upon
application, the use permit may be renewed by the County Board. However, in the
event the use is abandoned or discontinued for a period of two years, the structure
shall be removed.
4. Failure to comply with the provisions of this §12.5.12 will result in revocation of the
kiosk use. Termination of the kiosk use shall be effective after:
(a) A finding by the zoning administrator of violation;
(b) Notice with 30 day opportunity to correct the violation; and
(c) A finding by the zoning administrator after 30 days that evidence has not been
provided that the violation has been corrected.
5. The County Board may, in accordance with §15.4, use permits, modify the placement
and/or the hours of operation of the kiosk which do not meet the regulations as set
forth in §12.5.12.B and §12.5.12.C. The County Board, in any such approval, shall find
that, after the proposed modification(s), the subject kiosk will still accomplish the
purposes and intent of the zoning ordinance for kiosks.
Membership clubs and lodges

Membership clubs and lodges shall not be operated primarily for commercial gain.

§12.5.14 MORTUARIES AND FUNER AL HOMES
Mortuaries and funeral homes

A. In RA districts and RA4.8, R-C, and RA-H-3.2 districts, mortuaries and funeral homes may
be allowed in existing multiple-family buildings or residences converted to such use or in
new buildings designed for such use; provided, that all such new buildings shall have the
exterior appearance of a residential structure.
B. Cremation units may be included within mortuaries and funeral homes.
Nurseries, flower or plant stores

All incidental equipment and supplies, including fertilizer and garden tools shall be kept within
a building or in designated areas outside which are adequately screened as approved by the
zoning administrator.
Offices or clinics, medical or dental

A. Existing institutional structures
1. Medical and dental offices may be permitted in R-6, R-5, R15-30T, R-7, RA districts,
RA4.8, R-C, RA-H and RA-H-3.2 and CP-FBC districts, in existing institutional structures
converted to such use subject to securing a use permit as provided for in §15.4; and
provided further, that said sites meet the following criteria:
(a) A minimum site area of 50,000 sq. ft.; and
(b) Located on a primary or secondary arterial thoroughfare.
2. The principal basis for judging the merits of any given use permit shall be the degree
to which the proposed use and development provide for the reuse of an institutional
structure which does not conflict with other uses in the district and which causes no
greater adverse effects on the property and improvements in the neighborhood than
the previous institutional use.
B. Multiple family and other residential buildings
In RA districts as specified in §6.1.2, and in RA4.8, R-C, RA-H, RA-H-3.2 and CP-FBC
districts, medical and dental offices and clinics may be located in existing multiple family
and other residential buildings, provided such buildings have the exterior appearance of a
residential structure.
C. New buildings
1. In RA districts as specified in §6.1.2, and in RA4.8, R-C, RA-H and RA-H-3.2 districts,
medical and dental offices and clinics may be located in new buildings designed for
such use; provided such buildings have the exterior appearance of a residential
structure.
2. In all other C districts and in M districts, as specified in §7.1.2, medical and dental
offices and clinics are allowed subject to the density and dimensional standards for
the subject district.
Open-air markets
Open-air markets, which shall be subject to conditions approved by the County Board at the
time of use permit approval including but not limited to conditions governing customer and

§12.5.18 PRIVATE POSTAL SERVICES
vendor parking, landscaping, maintenance, impact on neighboring residential areas,

management of trash, management of noise, times and days of the week of operation,
including the number of vendors that would be permitted under the use permit. In addition,
any open-air market shall meet the following requirements:
A. No open-air market shall be located within 1,000 feet of another open-air market.
However, the County Board may modify this requirement as part of the use permit review
process, if it finds that the location of the open-air market in proximity to other market(s)
will not have a substantial adverse impact on surrounding neighborhoods;
B. In R and RA districts, open-air markets shall be allowed only subject to the following:
1. Open-air markets shall be allowed only on properties where there is an existing public,
civic or institutional use as provided in §12.2.4.
2. Open-air markets shall be allowed only on properties that have frontage on a street
designated as a principal arterial, minor arterial, or local principal street as designated
in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan
C. No open-air market shall be located within 100 feet of an abutting R district property.
However, the County Board may modify this requirement as part of the use permit review
process if it finds that the location of the open-air market in proximity to the R district
property will not have a substantial adverse impact on the abutting property and
surrounding neighborhoods; and
D. An application for a use permit for an open-air market shall include a parking plan that is
drawn to scale, showing the number and location of customer and vendor parking spaces.
Customer and vendor parking identified as available for market use shall be sufficient to
not have a substantial adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. 1
Private postal services

Private postal services shall be limited to 1200 square feet.
Recreation uses, indoor

Within the CP-FBC district, indoor recreation uses shall be conducted wholly within a
completely enclosed building on the second level (above grade) or below.
Retail, personal service uses

For any use that provides classes or instruction to children and, either 20 percent or more of
the total number of students enrolled in classes and/or instruction are children under 18 years
of age or the total number of children under 18 years of age enrolled in classes scheduled to be
held at any one time is 10 or more, the use may only be established subject to obtaining a use
permit from the County Board as provided in §15.4, for each such use.
Retail, sales uses, outdoor display
A. Outdoor display and sales of general merchandise associated with an established retail
sales business on the same lot, may be allowed in C and M districts, for a period not to
exceed up to three consecutive days, and not more than four such periods each year,
subject to the following:
1. Such use shall be allowed upon the approval of the zoning administrator, provided
that the location does not impede pedestrian or vehicular movement on the property.

§12.5.22 RESTAURANT, GENERAL
2. Additional permits and standards required for outdoor display and sales may include,
but not be limited to permits, encroachments or other approvals for any structure or
activity in a public right-of way.
3. Where outdoor display and sales is expressly allowed, prohibited or limited by use
permit or site plan condition, that condition will govern outdoor display and sales.
Restaurant, general
Delivery of food and beverages to off-site locations is permitted when it involves less than 30
percent of the amount of the sales from these restaurants., subject to approval of a use permit
pursuant to the requirements of §15.4
Restaurants, limited
Less than 50 percent of the food is served to conventional restaurant tables at which customers
sit to order and eat. Delivery of food and beverages to off-site locations is permitted when it
involves less than 20 percent of the amount of the sales from these restaurants.
Secondhand stores
Secondhand stores may be allowed provided all activities are conducted wholly within a
completely enclosed building.
Self-service storage
A. General
1. Self-service storage facilities shall include two or more individual units of 500 square
feet or less, each of which is rented solely to store household goods and personal
effects as defined in Virginia Code Section 58.1-3504, tangible personal property
employed in a trade or business as defined in Virginia Code Section 58.1-3503.A.17,
and inventory of stock on hand as that term is used in Virginia Code Section 58.1-
3510.A.
2. Within the area recorded as a self-service storage facility, any activity other than
rental of storage units and pick up and deposit of goods being stored is prohibited,
including the storage of motor vehicles and motorized boats, and the storage of
radioactive materials, explosives, and flammable or hazardous materials or chemicals.
B. C-TH district
In addition to complying with §12.5.25.A, above, in the C-TH district, self-service storage
facilities may be permitted subject to the following requirements:
1. The facility must be located in a multi-story structure;
2. That portion of the ground floor of the building in which the facility is located and
which fronts on public streets shall have retail or service commercial uses. Retail or
service uses shall be a minimum of 60 percent of the gross floor area on the ground
floor level of any building which contains self-service storage facilities;
3. One parking space for each 8,000 square feet of gross floor area, or fraction thereof,
which is used for self-service storage facilities and which has direct access only from
within a building, and one additional space for each employee of the self-service
storage facility shall be provided;

§12.5.26 UPHOLSTERY SHOPS
4. A minimum of two covered and enclosed loading spaces for the first 100,000 square
feet of gross floor area of storage space, or fraction thereof, and one covered and
enclosed loading space for each additional 50,000 square feet shall be provided; and
5. The parking spaces required by §14.3, shall be located in an area near the storage
entrance for drop-off and pick-up of goods being stored.
Upholstery shops
All upholstery shop activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building.
Vehicle body shop

A. In C-2, C-3 and CP-FBC districts, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely
enclosed building.
B. In the CM district, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed
Vehicle service establishments

A. Gasoline pumps shall be erected at least 10 feet behind the building restriction line.
B. In C-1 districts, any portion of the use except the sale of gasoline shall be conducted
wholly within a building.
C. In all other C districts in which the use is allowed, and
in all M districts, any vehicle repairs and storage of
merchandise and supplies shall be conducted wholly
within a building; and any lubrication or washing not
conducted wholly within a building shall be permitted
only if a masonry wall, seven feet in height, is erected
and maintained between such uses and any adjoining
R district.
Vehicle sales, rental and leasing facilities

Vehicle sales, rental and leasing facilities shall comply with the following standards as well as
any use permit conditions or requirements:
A. In C and M districts, as permitted in §7.1.2 and §8.1.2, except RA4.8, R-C, RA-H-3.2, MU-
VS, C-TH, and C-R, the following standards shall apply:
1. Minimum site area
(a) In C-1 and C-O-A districts, minimum site area shall be 20,000 square feet.
(b) In C-2, C-3 and all M districts, such uses may be permitted subject to use permit
approval as provided in §15.4 on sites with a minimum of 10,000 square feet, but
less than 20,000 square feet; and by-right on sites with a minimum of 20,000
square feet,
2. In the CP-FBC district, indoor and/or outdoor display area(s) shall not exceed 300
linear feet along Main Street or Avenue frontage. Vehicle sales, rental or leasing
facilities are specifically prohibited on Neighborhood and Local Sites.

§12.5.29 VEHICLE SALES, RENTAL AND LEASING FACILITIES
3. Delivery of automobiles shall be limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m., Monday through Saturday only. A plan shall be agreed upon with the police
department for time and place of the delivery of automobiles and this plan shall be
submitted to the zoning administrator.
4. All incidental repair services shall occur within the service bay facility. No vehicle
parts and repair tools shall be stored or displayed outside the repair facility.
5. Any lubrication or washing not conducted wholly within a building shall be permitted
only if a masonry wall, seven feet in height, is erected and maintained between such
uses and any adjoining R district.
6. Vehicles placed in the custody of the persons conducting the motor vehicle use shall
be kept on the premises of the motor vehicle use in compliance with the parking plan
approved by the zoning administrator consistent with the zoning ordinance and shall
not be tested or parked on streets that are designated as local principal or local minor
streets in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan.
7. Lighting on the property shall be directed and shielded so as not to affect adversely,
through the dissemination of light rays, any R or RA district that is abutting or across a
street, alley, sidewalk or other public right-of-way from the use.
8. The property shall be developed as required in §14.2, Landscaping, and §14.3,
Automobile Parking, Standing and Loading Space. A screening wall or solid wood
fence with a minimum height of four feet shall be provided where a parking area for
the storage or display of vehicles, including customer parking, abuts any street,
sidewalk, alley or other public right-of-way, or separating the site from R or RA
district.
9. Parking areas shall be arranged and used so that vehicles which are parked, displayed
and stored on the property do not overhang or protrude outside the prescribed limits
of the parking area into the required setback or onto the public right-of-way.
10. All trash receptacles located outside the building shall be screened from public view
by a brick wall or solid wood fence on three sides which is a minimum of six feet in
height.
11. Use of a public address system or loudspeaker shall comply with the standards and
regulations in Chapter 15, Noise Control Ordinance, or the Arlington County Code,
except that use of such system shall not be permitted after 9:00 p.m., daily.
B. In the RA4.8, R-C, RA-H-3.2, MU-VS, C-TH, and C-R districts, as permitted in §7.1.2 and
§8.1.2, the following standards shall apply:
1. Use is restricted to:
(a) Vehicle rental facilities providing vehicles of a maximum gross vehicle weight
rating of 10,000 lbs. as defined by the Federal Highway Administration; and
(b) Vehicle showrooms for display of vehicles, provided no saleable inventory is
located on-site.
2. Rental vehicles shall be parked in an above- or below-grade parking structure; rental
vehicles shall not be parked on a surface parking lot. Rental facility operations,

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.6 INDUSTRIAL USE STANDARDS
§12.6.1 BUILDING MATERIAL SALES YARDS
including but not limited to vehicle returns, shall not have an adverse impact on
garage circulation.
3. Deliveries containing multiple vehicles from a truck are not permitted.
4. No vehicle maintenance and repair shall occur on-site, except washing and
vacuuming as provided in §12.29.B.5 below.
5. Any washing and vacuuming conducted on-site shall not have an adverse impact on
other users of the parking structure.
6. All vehicle rental facility uses shall comply with the provisions of §12.5.29.A.6 above.
C. Submission requirements applicable to all zoning districts:
1. New vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities, or existing vehicle sales, rental or leasing
facilities that are required to obtain a certificate of occupancy shall submit the
following to the zoning administrator:
(a) Parking lot layout plan, showing parking spaces, buildings, and landscaped area,
drawn to scale, and certified by a surveyor or engineer;
(b) Lot calculation table showing the total site area, and the size and location of each
area occupied by vehicle display space, customer parking, employee parking, office,
and landscaping and buffer, and any proposed vehicle washing and vacuuming
station.
u
§12.6. Industrial Use Standards

Building material sales yards
Building material sales yards shall be permitted provided:
A. Sales of rock, sand, gravel and the like, may be allowed only as incidental to the main
business;
B. Concrete mixing shall be prohibited; and
C. When in the CM district, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely
enclosed building or within an area enclosed on all sides with a solid wall or uniformly
painted board fence, not less than six feet in height.
Carpet and rug cleaning

Carpet and rug cleaning uses shall additionally allow dyeing, only in M districts.
Foundries
A. Foundries shall be allowed, provided they are limited to casting lightweight nonferrous
metal.
B. When in the CM district, foundries shall be conducted wholly within a completely
enclosed building, except for on-site parking of delivery vehicles which are incidental
thereto.

§12.6 INDUSTRIAL USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.6.4 INDOOR-ONLY USES
Indoor-only uses
Such uses, when in the CM district, shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed
Indoor-only or screened uses

Such uses, when in the CM district, shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed
building or within an area enclosed on all sides with a solid wall or uniformly painted board
fence, not less than six feet in height.
Plumbing or sheet metal shops

A. In C-2, C-3 and CP-FBC districts, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely
enclosed building. Such uses, when in the CM district, shall be conducted wholly within a
completely enclosed building, except for on-site parking of delivery vehicles which are
incidental thereto.
Railroad, trolley, bus, air, or boat passenger stations

The exterior appearance of any railroad, trolley, bus, air, or boat passenger stations permitted
under this paragraph shall be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood in which it is
located.
Retail lumber yards

Retail lumber yards shall be permitted provided:
A. Any milling of lumber shall be incidental to the main business; and
B. When in the CM district, all activities shall be conducted wholly within a completely
enclosed building or within an area enclosed on all sides with a solid wall or uniformly
painted board fence, not less than six feet in height.
Sign making shops

Sign making or painting shops shall be allowed, provided all activities shall be conducted wholly
within a completely enclosed building.
Stone monument works

A. Stone monument works shall not employ more than five persons; and
B. When in the CM district, stone monument works shall be conducted wholly within a
completely enclosed building, except for on-site parking of delivery vehicles which are
incidental thereto.
Vehicle storage lots and towing services

Vehicle storage lots and towing services are allowed, provided that:
A. Such area is Located and developed as required in §14.3;
B. In CM districts, such use shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building
or within an area enclosed on all sides with a solid wall or uniformly painted board fence,
not less than six feet in height; and
C. In M-1 and M-2 districts, any incidental repair of automobiles or trailers is conducted and
confined wholly within a building;

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.7 OTHER USE ST ANDARDS
§12.6.12 WELDING, MACHINE AND TOOL REPAIR SHOPS
Welding, machine and tool repair shops

Welding, machine and tool repair shops are allowed, provided:
A. Punch presses over 20 tons rate capacity, drop hammers and automatic screw machines
shall be prohibited; and
B. All operations and storage are kept wholly within a completely enclosed building.
Wholesale trade
All wholesale trade uses shall be conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building or
within an area enclosed on all sides with a solid wall or uniformly painted board fence, not less
than six feet in height.
Wrecking and salvage yards

Wrecking and salvage may be allowed, subject to the following conditions:
A. No wrecking and salvage yard shall be located within 225 feet of an arterial highway.
B. All wrecking and salvage yards shall be located on lots containing not less than 25,000
square feet
C. All wrecking and salvage yards shall be surrounded by a wall seven feet high or of such
additional height as needed to provide suitable screening of the operation with due
regard to topography.
D. No material shall be reduced by fire, except when reduced in an approved incinerator.
§12.7. Other Use Standards

Agriculture
Agricultural uses may be allowed with no restrictions as to the operation of such vehicles or
machinery as are incident to such uses, and with no restrictions as to the sale or marketing of
products raised on the premises; provided, any livestock or poultry shall be kept in a building,
structure or yard for the raising, housing or sale thereof which shall be located no less than 100
feet from any street or lot line; provided, further, that poultry shall not be allowed to roam at
large.
§12.8. TRANSITIONAL USE STANDARDS

General
A. Applicability
Transitional uses may be located on only transitional sites and in accordance with any
applicable transitional use standards as specified below.
Hospitals on transitional sites

On transitional sites abutting C-2, CM or M districts, hospitals shall be allowed, provided that
the principal bases for judging the merits of any given site plan shall be:
A. The degree to which the proposed development complies with the bulk, placement and
coverage requirements of and has the appearance of an apartment building permitted in
the apartment district in which it is located;

§12.9 ACCESSORY USE STANDA RDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.8.3 OFFICES OR CLINICS, MEDICAL OR DENTAL ON TRANSITIONAL SITES
B. The compatibility of the proposed development with existing and anticipated uses in the
general neighborhood; and
C. Compliance with adopted plans for the development of the area.
Offices or clinics, medical or dental on transitional sites

A. By-right
Medical and dental clinics and offices may be allowed in existing one-family detached
dwellings in R and RA14-26, RA8-18 and RA6-15 districts, provided the residential
character of such dwelling is not changed.
B. By site plan approval, medical and dental clinics and offices may be allowed in R-6, R-5,
R15-30T, R2-7, RA14-26, RA8-18 and RA6-15 districts, provided:
1. The basis for judging the merits of any given site plan shall be the degree to which the
structure has the appearance of, and complies with the bulk and placement
requirements for, and has the exterior appearance of, a single-family residence.
Offices or clinics, medical or dental on transitional sites abutting C-2, CM or

M districts
On transitional sites which abut C-2, CM or M districts, medical offices may be allowed
provided that the principal bases for judging the merits of any given site plan shall be:
A. The degree to which the proposed development complies with the bulk, placement and
coverage requirements of and has the appearance of an apartment building permitted in
the apartment district in which it is located;
B. The compatibility of the proposed development with existing and anticipated uses in the
general neighborhood; and
C. Compliance with adopted plans for the development of the area.
Transitional parking areas
A. Transitional parking areas shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of

§14.2 and §14.3.
B. No activity or use shall be conducted on transitional parking areas except the parking of
customer or employee automobiles and
C. The use of such areas for parking shall not be deemed to include any sales or servicing.
D. Transitional parking areas shall not be used to satisfy the provisions of parking required by
this zoning ordinance.
§12.9. Accessory Use Standards

General
Accessory buildings and uses shall comply with all standards in the district for the principal use,
except as expressly set forth below.
A. Accessory buildings and uses shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to permitted
principal uses. An accessory use shall be allowed only when an allowed principal use
exists for which such accessory use is allowed (see §12.2, Use Categories).

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.9 ACCESSORY USE STANDARDS
§12.9.2 ACCESSORY DWELLINGS
B. Accessory buildings and uses shall be located on the same lot as the permitted principal
use or building, except as otherwise allowed through an approved site plan.
C. Accessory buildings shall comply with all placement and dimensional standards for the
subject district and as provided in §3.2.
D. Accessory buildings and uses shall be consistent with the character of the principal use or
main building served.
E. Accessory buildings and uses shall not be of a nature likely to attract visitors in larger
numbers than would normally be expected in association with the principal use, where
applicable.
F. An accessory use shall contribute to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants of
the primary use served.
G. An accessory use shall be located within the same zoning district as the principal use,
except as otherwise allowed through an approved site plan.
H. Tractor trailers and portable storage devices are prohibited for use as storage or buildings,
except as permitted on an active construction site or by permit for short term use. (See
also §12.10)
Accessory dwellings
Accessory dwellings are allowed in R districts, subject to issuance of a permit by the zoning
administrator and subject to the following:
A. Standards
1. Accessory dwellings may be within or attached to one-family dwellings, or in detached
accessory buildings on lots containing one-family dwellings, subject to the following
limitations:
(a) An accessory dwelling shall not be permitted on a lot with a family/caregiver suite.
(b) Not more than one accessory dwelling shall be permitted on a lot.
2. Accessory dwellings shall be located in accordance with all requirements of Article 3
Density and Dimensional Standards, provided, however, accessory dwellings shall be
allowed within a nonconforming dwelling or detached accessory building, in
accordance with all requirements of Article 16 Nonconformities. In addition,
accessory dwellings shall be subject to the following limitations:
(a) Detached accessory buildings existing prior to May 18, 2019, may be altered to
make interior alterations, whether structural or non-structural, in accordance with
all requirements of Article 16, to create an accessory dwelling.
(b) Any detached accessory building approved after May 18, 2019, containing an
accessory dwelling shall comply with all requirements of Article 3, and with
setbacks as follows:
(1) On interior lots, the nearest wall of the accessory building shall not be
located closer than five feet to a side or rear lot line;
(2) On corner lots, the nearest wall of the accessory building shall not be
located closer than five feet to any side lot line, and the nearest edge of the

§12.9.2 ACCESSORY DWELLINGS
eave of the accessory building shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any
rear lot line; and
(3) The nearest wall of the accessory building shall not be located closer than
25 feet from any street or officially designated street right-of-way line.
(c) Detached accessory buildings approved after May 18, 2019, containing accessory
dwellings shall exceed neither 25 feet nor 1½ stories in height.
(d) No detached accessory building approved after May 18, 2019, with a footprint
larger than 560 square feet in R-5 and R-6 districts, and 650 square feet in any
other district, shall be used to contain an accessory dwelling, and the gross floor
area shall be as specified in subsection (e) below.
(e) The gross floor area of an accessory dwelling shall not exceed the following:
(1) The size of the basement for an attached accessory dwelling that is wholly
within a basement.
(2) All other accessory dwellings shall exceed neither:
(i) 750 sq. ft. nor 35 percent of the combined floor area of the main and
accessory dwelling, for an attached or detached accessory dwelling where
the GFA of the main dwelling is at least 1,000 sq. ft.
(ii) 500 sq. ft. nor 45 percent of the combined gross floor area of the main and
accessory dwelling, for an attached or detached accessory dwelling where
the GFA of the main dwelling is less than 1,000 sq. ft.
(f) No accessory dwelling within a main dwelling with an entrance above the first floor
shall have exterior stairs to that entrance on the side of the lot fronting a street.
No accessory dwelling within an accessory building with an entrance above the first
floor shall have exterior stairs to that entrance on the side of the lot fronting a
street unless the accessory building was built prior to May 18, 2019.
(g) Parking requirements for accessory dwellings shall be as specified and regulated in
§14.3.
B. Accessory dwelling application
The following shall be filed with the zoning administrator with the application for an
accessory dwelling permit:
1. A floor plan of the accessory dwelling that also identifies its relationship to the rest of
the dwelling, and illustrates the provisions of §12.9.2.A above, and that provides such
further details as may be required by the zoning administrator.
2. A certified plat of the lot.
3. Evidence of creation of additional parking space, where required by §14.3.
C. Conditions of approval
1. Before approval of a building permit, the owner shall record a covenant on the
property in the land records in a form acceptable to the zoning administrator, which
identified the accessory dwelling use and that it is subject to the restrictions imposed
by the zoning ordinance.

§12.9.3 AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNAS
2. No more than three persons shall occupy the accessory dwelling.

3. The owner of the main dwelling must occupy either the main dwelling or the
accessory dwelling as his/her primary residence; provided however, if the owner of
the main dwelling does not occupy one of the dwelling units as his/her primary
residence, the entire property may be occupied by no more than one family.
4. Before a certificate of occupancy is issued for the accessory dwelling, the owner shall
file an affidavit of compliance with the zoning administrator in a form acceptable to
the zoning administrator attesting to compliance with the conditions of this section,
and shall re-file the affidavit of compliance whenever the following occurs:
(a) When any structural alterations are made to the accessory dwelling; and
(b) Upon change in ownership of the main dwelling.
5. The owner shall permit annual inspections of the accessory dwelling by the zoning
administrator or his/her designee upon reasonable notice to ensure compliance with
the conditions of this section.
6. The owner shall cooperate with the zoning administrator and his/her designee in
ensuring compliance with the conditions of this section and in the investigation of
complaints of violations of this section.
7. The owner shall advise all tenants of the accessory dwelling of the annual inspection
requirement and obligation to cooperate with the zoning administrator in ensuring
compliance with the conditions of this section.
8. Accessory uses shall not be allowed in the accessory dwelling except home
occupations, including accessory homestay, as permitted and regulated in §12.9.11
and §12.9.12.
9. Failure to comply with the conditions in this §12.9.2 will result in revocation of an
accessory dwelling permit by the zoning administrator. Revocation of the accessory
dwelling permit and certificate of occupancy shall be effective after:
(a) A finding by the zoning administrator of violation;
(b) Notice with 30 day opportunity to correct the violation; and
(c) A finding by the zoning administrator after 30 days that the violation has not been
corrected.
(d) Notwithstanding §12.9.2.C.9(a),§12.9.2.C.9(b), and §12.9.2.C.9(c) above, if more
than three violations of the provisions of this §12.9.2 are found to exist by the
zoning administrator within a one-year period, the permit may be revoked.
Amateur radio antennas

Amateur radio antennas shall not exceed 75 feet in height above the ground level. In addition,
they shall comply with all of the following requirements:
A. No amateur radio antenna, or support structure therefore shall be located in a front yard,
or within 25 feet from any street setback line or within 10 feet from any side or rear
property line.

§12.9.4 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING
B. Amateur radio antennas shall be located only in side or rear yards. In a district that does
not require a rear yard, the antenna may be placed on a building's main roof, but not on
the mechanical penthouse of the building. Amateur radio antennas are permitted to be
placed in the side yard, only when they are attached to the existing main structures.
Commercial vehicle parking

A. The following commercial vehicles shall not be parked in any R or RA district:
1. Any tractor truck, trailer, semitrailer, garbage truck, dump truck, cement truck, or
similar vehicles or equipment with any gross vehicle weight; or any commercial
vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 16,000 pounds, regardless of the
location of its parking space on the premises, except while loading or unloading, or
being used in construction, or performing services such as repair or installation of
equipment, all of which are accessory to the dwelling units on the premises. 21F
2. Any commercial vehicle which is not owned, leased, or operated by the occupant of
the dwelling unit at which it is parked, regardless of its weight.
B. Parking of no more than one commercial vehicle of the type described below shall be
permitted by-right in R or RA districts:
1. One commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less may be
parked behind the rear line of a main building or, in the case of a parcel used for
multi-family residential purposes, in a private parking area; or
2. One commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more but no
more than 16,000 pounds may be parked in a fully enclosed building on any parcel in
an R or RA district.
C. In cases working a grave hardship on the resident, and subject to use permit approval in
accordance with §15.4, the County Board may modify the number of commercial vehicles
permitted to be parked in R or RA districts or where they may be parked. Under no
circumstances shall commercial vehicles as described in §12.9.4.A.1 be permitted in R or
RA districts, whether by use permit or otherwise.
D. Location of a parking space for the commercial vehicle shall meet the requirements of
§12.9.4.A or §12.9.4.B unless those location requirements are modified by use permit, in
accordance with §12.9.4.C and §15.4.
Convenience service areas

In a singular multiple-family building containing over 200 units, one small portion of the total
floor area may be used as a service exclusively for persons living therein, provided:
A. There are no window displays or advertisements;
B. There is no entrance to shops except from inside the building;
C. There is no sign advertising such shop or service that shall be visible from outside the
building;
D. Commodities or services offered shall be limited to only those under the general
classification of groceries, drugs, beauty shop and valet service;
E. There are no deliveries made from the shop outside of the building or project; and

§12.9.6 CREMATORIUMS
F. No more than one percent of the total gross floor area is used for such purposes, including
the storage of merchandise; such use shall be confined to the ground floor or basement
levels.
Crematoriums
Accessory crematoriums shall be allowed as follows:
A. Accessory to cemeteries of 10 or more acres (except not in P districts), subject to use
permit approval; and
B. Accessory to a funeral home, subject to approval of a funeral home where allowed as a
principal use.
Drive-through facilities
A. Drive-through facilities in the CP-FBC district shall have no more than two lanes, and drive-
through access shall not be from Main Street frontage.
Family/caregiver suites
Family/caregiver suites may be allowed, subject to approval by the zoning administrator
consistent with the following conditions:
A. Not more than one family/caregiver suite shall be permitted in a dwelling;
B. The gross floor area of the suite shall exceed neither 750 square feet nor 35 percent of the
combined gross floor area of the main dwelling and the family/caregiver suite;
C. The suite shall have interior access to the rest of the dwelling;
D. The suite shall not have separate utility service (i.e., electric meter and water meter);
E. A floor plan of the suite that also identifies its relationship to the rest of the dwelling shall
be filed with the zoning administrator;
F. The property owner shall record a covenant on the property which identifies the suite use
and the restrictions imposed by this ordinance;
G. The dwelling in which the suite is located shall have only one main entrance and no new
entrance shall be permitted on the same side of the structure as the existing main
entrance of the dwelling;
H. The suite shall be designed so that it can function as an integral part of the principal
dwelling although the occupants may live independently of each other.
I. There shall be only one address for the property;
J. A family/caregiver suite shall not be permitted in a dwelling in which an accessory
dwelling is located; and
K. A written statement identifying the person who will provide the care and the kind of care
that will be given must be filed in the office of the zoning administrator as to an unrelated
resident of the family/caregiver suite.
Family day care homes

Family day care homes shall comply with the following requirements:

§12.9.10 GUEST HOUSE
A. Parents and/or another authorized caregiver of children receiving care shall escort the
children both to and from the home at all times.
B. If an on-site outdoor play area is provided compliant with County Code Chapter 59, the
area shall be enclosed and screened by a solid wall or fence, or a combination of
landscaping and fencing to minimize noise and visibility. Fencing and/or walls shall be
consistent with §3.2.6.A.3(a) and §3.2.6.A.3(e). This standard does not apply to
communal on-site outdoor play areas, such as playgrounds in multiple-family apartment
complexes.
C. Family day care homes with six to 12 children shall meet the requirments in subsections A
and B as well as the additional requirements below:
1. An owner or operator of the family day care home shall be designated to serve as a
neighborhood liason to communicate with nearby neighbors and address concerns
that may be related to the family day care home. The name, telephone number, and
email address (if applicable) of the neighborhood liaison shall be provided to the Civic
Association(s) that the family day care home is located within and directly adjacent to.
2. At least one off-street parking space shall be available for the pick-up and drop-off of
children during the hours specified for pick-up and drop-off in the certificate of
occupancy.
3. Pick-up and drop-off of children shall be accommodated and managed so that queuing
of two or more cars does not occur on public streets or impede access to any
neighboring property or driveway. Legally parked cars do not qualify as queuing.
Guest house
Guest houses are permitted only when accessory to one-family detached dwellings, and
meeting the following standards:
A. Guest houses may be used for temporary guests of the occupants of the premises; such
quarters shall have no kitchen facilities and shall not be rented or otherwise used as a
separate dwelling.
B. Guest houses shall meet all relevant regulations for the subject zoning district.
Home occupation
Home occupations are permitted in dwelling units subject to R, RA and C district regulations
when such use is clearly subordinate or incidental to the principal use of the premises for
dwelling purposes and as follows:
A. Home occupations which are conducted as limited by §12.9.11.C, below, and which have
the general character of the following uses are permitted:
1. Accessory homestay, subject to the provisions of this §12.9.11 and §12.9.12.
2. Artist, photographer, sculptor.
3. Author, composer, editor, translator, writer.
4. Contractor or service business, provided that all requirements of this section are met
as well as the following additional requirements:

§12.9.11 HOME OCCUPATION
(a) Not more than one commercial vehicle, as defined in Article 18, shall be parked on
the property and then only in accordance with applicable regulations of §12.9.4.
(b) No contracting equipment or materials shall be stored on the premises, except in a
commercial vehicle used for transporting said equipment and materials between
jobs, and no loading or unloading shall be done on or in the vicinity of the premises.
(c) The dwelling is not an accessory dwelling.
5. Tailors, milliners, seamstresses, dressmakers and upholsterers.
6. Home crafts such as lapidary work, macramé, model making and weaving,
7. Office of an ordained minister of religion.
8. Office of an accountant, architect, bookkeeper, broker, clerical service, computer
programmer, consultant, dentist, doctor, engineer, instructor in the arts and crafts,
insurance agent, land surveyor, landscape architect, lawyer, musician, real estate
broker or telephone service.
9. Office of a salesman, sales representative or manufacturers’ representative.
10. Repair services, such as musical instruments, watches and clocks, small household
appliances, and toys or models.
B. Home occupations not permitted include those with the general characteristics of the
following:
1. Amusement or dance parlors;
2. Animal care facilities, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and grooming services
3. Antique shops;
4. Barber shops or beauty salons;
5. Boarding houses or rooming houses;.
6. Chapels;
7. Day care uses;
8. Funeral homes;
9. Gift shops;
10. Hospitals;
11. Kennels or other boarding of animals;
12. Medical or dental offices or clinics;
13. Motor vehicle repair or sales;
14. Nursery homes;
15. Repair or testing of internal combustion engines; and
16. Restaurants or tearooms.
C. Home occupation uses shall be subject to the following limitations. All limitations apply
together. No limitation shall be interpreted as relaxing another limitation.

§12.9 ACCESSORY USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.9.11 HOME OCCUPATION
1. Home occupation operators shall apply for and enter into an agreement with the
zoning administrator certifying that they will comply with the requirements for a
home occupation in the zoning ordinance. The zoning administrator shall approve the
agreement only upon finding that the home occupation will comply with the zoning
ordinance and that it will be clearly subordinate to the principal use of the premises
for dwelling purposes.
2. There shall be no evidence on the exterior of the premises or visible from the exterior
of the premises that the property is used in any way other than for a dwelling.
3. There shall be no signs.
4. There shall be no outside display, storage, or sale of merchandise or equipment.
5. With the exception of accessory homestay, only one person, at any time, who is not a
bona fide resident of the dwelling, may be employed or perform work on the
premises. Nonresident employees are prohibited for accessory homestay, provided,
however, hired service for normal maintenance, repair and care of the residence or
site, such as yard maintenance or house cleaning, is allowed. In addition, a disabled
resident may employ assistance from one person at a time who is not a resident and
whose assistance is limited to overcoming the effect of the disability. A written
statement identifying the person who will give the assistance, the kind of assistance
that will be given and the time the person will be in the dwelling must be filed in the
office of the zoning administrator as to each person permitted to be employed as an
assistant to a disabled person before that person may be employed in the dwelling. If
the dwelling is an accessory dwelling, persons who are not bona fide residents of the
dwelling may not be employed or perform work on the premises except one non-
resident employee may be employed or perform work on the premises providing
assistance to a disabled resident, as above.
6. Instruction of students (including delivery of materials clearly incidental to training)
and service to clients or customers shall be limited to 12 persons per day but under no
circumstances more than four persons at any one time, except as provided in
§12.9.12.A.2 below, which shall govern the number of lodgers allowed for accessory
homestay.
7. With the exception of accessory homestay, the total floor area on any premises to be
used for home occupation(s) shall not exceed a figure calculated by taking 25 percent
of the total floor area of the principal dwelling on the premises, excluding attached
garages provided, however, that under no circumstances shall more than 10 percent
of the total floor area of the principal dwelling be used for specified storage of stock-
in-trade.
8. The storage of hazardous materials is prohibited.
9. There shall be no stocks-in-trade displayed or sold on the premises, except for those
produced at the premises.
10. Each application for a home occupation agreement shall be accompanied by a sketch
of all existing and proposed new parking spaces. Existing parking spaces, unless
illegal, shall be permitted to remain. All new parking spaces shall comply with all
applicable requirements in §14.2 and §14.3. No vehicles shall be parked or stored in
any other spaces unless they comply with all provisions of the zoning ordinance.

§12.9.12 HOMESTAY, ACCESSORY
11. The lot or property on which the home occupation is conducted shall not have any
parking space added to it during the time the home occupation is being conducted;
nor shall any parking space be used that was not customarily used prior to that time.
The application for approval shall show a sketch of the parking spaces customarily in
use at the time of application and agree that parking shall not be increased during the
period the approval is in effect. During the period the approval is in effect, no motor
vehicle shall be parked at any place on the lot or property not represented as a
parking space on the sketch attached to the application.
12. No equipment may be used on the premises other than that which is usual for purely
domestic or hobby purposes, or what is usual for a small business, professional, or
medical office.
Homestay, accessory
Accessory homestay is allowed subject to the home occupation provisions in §12.9.11 and
subject to the provisions below. For the purposes if this §12.9.12, the term resident shall mean
either the owner or a tenant.
A. Standards
1. Accessory use. Accessory homestay shall be accessory only to household living use as
defined in §12.2.3.A.1, and shall be allowed only where:
(a) The dwelling unit is used by the resident of the dwelling unit as his/her primary
residence, which means that he or she resides there for at least 185 days during
each year; and
(b) The bedroom(s) rented to overnight lodgers shall be within the main building of the
dwelling unit that the resident occupies as his/her primary residence and shall be
allowed in a detached accessory building only where such building is approved as
an accessory dwelling.
2. Maximum number of overnight lodgers. The maximum number of overnight lodgers
on any night of an accessory homestay shall be determined based on the greater of six
lodgers, or two lodgers per number of bedrooms in the dwelling, provided, however,
under no circumstances shall the number of lodgers exceed that allowed by the
Building Code.
3. Accessory homestay shall be allowed in dwelling units that have an accessory
dwelling, subject to the following:
(a) Either the main dwelling, the accessory dwelling, or both may be rented to lodgers
by the resident; and
(b) Occupancy in the accessory dwelling is limited to a maximum of three lodgers;
4. An accessory homestay shall have working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and, if
applicable, carbon monoxide detectors, and all such equipment shall be accessible to
all overnight lodgers of the homestay at all times.
5. Any sleeping room used for an accessory homestay shall have met the requirements
for a sleeping room at the time it was created or converted.
6. Commercial meetings, including luncheons, banquets, parties, weddings, meetings,
charitable fund raising, commercial or advertising activities, or other gatherings for

§12.9.12 HOMESTAY, ACCESSORY
direct or indirect compensation are prohibited pursuant to an accessory homestay

permit.
7. An accessory homestay shall comply with requirements of the applicable version of
the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, as determined by the Building Official.
B. Accessory homestay application
The following shall be filed with the zoning administrator with the application for an
accessory homestay permit:
1. Contact information for a responsible party. If the resident is not the responsible party
who will be available during use of the accessory homestay, then the responsible
party shall be identified and must sign the application.
2. Proof of the applicant’s permanent residence of, the property that is the subject of
the application. Acceptable proof of permanent residence includes: applicant’s
driver’s license or voter registration card or U.S. passport showing the address of the
property, or other document(s) which the zoning administrator determines provides
equivalent proof of permanent residence by the applicant at the property that is the
subject of the application.
C. Accessory homestay permit.
Use of an accessory homestay shall require an accessory homestay permit issued by the
zoning administrator. The resident of the accessory homestay shall operate the accessory
homestay under all conditions of the accessory homestay permit, and subject to the
following:
1. An accessory homestay permit shall be valid for one years from date of issuance.
2. It is the responsibility of the resident to renew the permit upon expiration, by
submitting an updated application, as required in §12.9.12.B above.
3. The accessory homestay permit requires the resident, and responsible party if the
responsible party is not the resident, to agree to abide by all requirements of this
zoning ordinance, and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations.
4. With his/her signature on an application for accessory homestay, the resident
authorizes the zoning administrator and his/her designee to enter the dwelling unit
upon reasonable advance notice in response to a complaint(s), to verify that the
accessory homestay is being operated in accordance with the provisions of this
§12.9.12 and the home occupation provisions in §12.9.11, and all conditions of the
accessory homestay permit.
5. An accessory homestay permit may be revoked by the zoning administrator as set
forth below; an applicant whose accessory homestay has been revoked pursuant to
this paragraph shall not be eligible to receive any new accessory homestay permit for
one year:
(a) In the event that there are three or more violations recorded by the County within
a one year period; or
(b) For failure to comply with the regulations set forth in this §12.9.12, the home
occupation provisions in §12.9.11 and any permit conditions; or

§12.9.13 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT A ND/OR DANCING
(c) For refusal to cooperate with the County in a complaint investigation, including
allowing the Zoning Administrator or his/her designee to enter the dwelling unit
upon reasonable advance notice in accordance with §12.9.12.C.4 above.
Live entertainment and/or dancing

Live entertainment and/or dancing may be allowed accessory to otherwise allowed
restaurants, subject to approval of a use permit pursuant to §15.4.
Mortuaries and funeral homes

Accessory mortuaries and funeral homes may be allowed in cemeteries of 10 or more acres
(except not in P districts).
Outdoor cafés
Outdoor cafes may be allowed only as accessory to otherwise allowed restaurants, subject to
the following requirements:
A. Outside of public rights-of-way or easements for public use
Outdoor cafes are allowed, subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator, when they
are located outside of public rights-of-way or easements for public use and comply with
the following, except that the County Board may modify the requirements of §12.9.15.A.7
and §12.9.15.A.8 by use permit or site plan, pursuant to §15.4 and §15.5, respectively.
1. An outdoor cafe, including any canopies or covers associated with such a café, shall be
permitted within the required setback. Said canopies or covers may be affixed to the
ground.
2. Except as provided in §12.9.15.A.1 above, all fixtures and furnishings in the outdoor
café including, but not limited to, tables, chairs, bar, server stations and sources of
heat shall be portable and not affixed to the ground, building or other permanent
structures. Permanent railings or fences may be permitted only where and to the
extent that the building code requires an affixed fence for safety purposes.
3. Outdoor cafés shall not be enclosed, except as specified elsewhere in the ordinance.
4. Except as may be required by site plan or use permit condition or as otherwise
provided in §12.10.5.B.2(b), outdoor cafés are not required to be closed during a
season and may be open any day during the year.
5. The hours of operation of an outdoor café shall not extend past the normal operating
hours of the main use, the restaurant.
6. Outdoor cafés located in side or rear yards abutting or across an alley from an “R” or
“RA” district shall not operate before 9 am or after 11 pm.
7. No sound or audio or video entertainment, including but not limited to television or
radio playing of music and/or sports events, may be piped into, or played so as to be
visible or audible from the outdoor café area before 9 am or after 11 pm on Fridays
and Saturdays and before 9 am or after 10 pm on Sundays through Thursdays.
8. Outdoor cafés shall have fewer seats than the indoor portion of the restaurant.
9. Outdoor cafés shall be exempt from any parking requirements, unless otherwise
required by the County Board when approving a use permit or site plan.

§12.9.16 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OR TRAILER PARKING
B. Within public rights-of-way or easements for public use

Outdoor cafes may be permitted within public rights-of-way or easements for public use
subject to approval of a use permit by the County Board as provided in §15.4.
C. In M districts
In addition to the provisions of §12.9.15.A and §12.9.15.B, outdoor cafés in M districts
may be enclosed up to ten months per year, subject to approval of a use permit by the
County Board as provided in §15.4.
Recreational Vehicle or trailer parking

The parking of a trailer in any district is hereby prohibited; except that one trailer may be
parked or stored in an approved enclosed garage or accessory building; provided, that no living
quarters shall be maintained, or any business practiced, in the trailer while such trailer is
parked or stored. An unoccupied recreational vehicle of less than 30 feet in length and less
than eight feet in width, including a pick-up coach, a utility trailer or tent trailer as is commonly
used for camping and a mobile trailer which is propelled by its own power, shall be parked to
the rear of the front line of the main building.
Swimming pools, private

Private, accessory swimming pools shall comply with the following requirements:
A. Fencing
The fencing or protection shall be as specified by the Arlington County Swimming Pool
Codes, but no less than six feet in height.
B. Lighting
Where lighting is provided, all lights shall be arranged and hooded as to confine all direct
light rays entirely within the boundary lines of the swimming pool property.
(See also §12.4.8, community, semi-public and commercial swimming pools)
Vehicle maintenance and minor repairs, routine

Routine maintenance and minor repair of motor vehicles which can be completed in 24 hours,
including by way of illustration and not limitation, the replacement or changing of oil and other
fluids (e.g., transmission, brake, water), batteries, tires, light bulbs, spark plugs, points, air
filters, and radiator hoses, subject to the following conditions:
A. The motor vehicle must be owned or leased by an occupant of the premises;
B. Maintenance and repair activity is permitted on weekdays only from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. and weekends and holidays only from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and
C. Commercial maintenance and repair activity is prohibited.
Vehicle, unlicensed and/or uninspected

A maximum of one operable unlicensed and/or uninspected vehicle may be kept on the
premises, provided said vehicle is parked to the rear of the front line of the main building.
Inoperative vehicles or additional unlicensed and/or uninspected vehicles are permitted on the
premises, provided said vehicles are located within a fully enclosed building.

ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS §12.10 SHORT TERM USE STANDARDS
§12.10.1 PURPOSE AND INTENT
§12.10. Short Term Use Standards

Purpose and intent
There are certain uses that may be permissible on a short term basis subject to the controls,
limitations and regulations of this section. The following sections provide the criteria used by
the zoning administrator in reviewing short term use applications.
General standards
No short term use shall be allowed unless the applicant demonstrates compliance with these
standards to the satisfaction of the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator may
impose conditions on the proposed use to ensure compliance with these standards or other
applicable provisions of law. The zoning administrator may revoke approval for a short term
use if the use is not in compliance with these and all other applicable standards, and conditions
of approval.
A. Short term uses shall obtain a certificate of occupancy as required by §15.2, except as
specifically exempted in the use standards for the subject use.
B. Short term uses shall be subject to the applicable standards for the specific use in this
§12.10
C. Short term uses shall be allowed only for the specific time frame identified on the
certificate of occupancy.
D. No short term use shall reduce required parking spaces for any use on the lot or
development project below the number of spaces required for such use(s).
E. Short term uses shall not create hazardous conditions for vehicular or pedestrian traffic,
or result in traffic in excess of the capacity of streets serving the use.
F. Adequate refuse management, security, emergency services and similar necessary
facilities and services shall be available for the short term use, and all necessary sanitary
facilities shall be approved by the appropriate health agency.
G. The site shall be suitable for the proposed use, considering flood hazard, drainage, soils
and other conditions which may constitute a danger to life, health or safety.
H. Lighting for nighttime outdoor operations shall be shielded so as not to create glare into
residential areas or streets.
I. The density and dimensional standards of Article 3 shall apply to all short term uses except
as otherwise stated or as otherwise allowed in an approved site plan or use permit;
J. Short term uses shall comply with all applicable state and federal regulations; building
code requirements and other County codes, including any applicable administrative
requirements and policies.
Contractors’ storage and staging yards, off-site

Off-site contractors’ storage and staging yards, and sales or leasing trailers or pavilions,
associated with allowed new construction, may be allowed subject to the approval of a use
permit as provided in §15.4, in all zoning districts:,
A. In reasonable proximity to such allowed construction;
B. For a maximum of three years, or as otherwise approved by the County Board; and

§12.10 SHORT TERM USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.10.4 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, FENCES AND OFFICES
C. No application on the same lot shall be considered by the County Board within a period of
two years following the discontinuance of such use.
Construction equipment, fences and offices

A. Upon application, the Zoning Administrator may permit, under his/her discretion,
placement within required yards, of construction trailers; covered walkways required by
building code; cranes, mobile concrete mixers and other similar equipment needed for
construction; and dumpsters and on-site sanitary facilities and other similar facilities,
1. A building permit shall have been issued for the subject property;
2. No such building, structure or equipment shall be located in the vision obstruction
area or tree protection area;
3. All such buildings, structures or equipment shall be removed prior to issuance of the
first certificate of occupancy for tenant occupancy, unless otherwise required by
building code or other local, state or federal provisions;
4. The Zoning Administrator may require that placement of such buildings, structures or
equipment be shown on an approved grading plan, plat or landscape plan;
B. Fences shall be allowed where and to the extent required by building code, provided,
however, that where a development project abuts an R or RA district and the limits of
disturbance of such development project is within five feet of the common lot line, a
construction fence of a minimum of six feet in height shall be required along the limits of
disturbance; the zoning administrator may waive this requirement if it is demonstrated
that such fence would be impractical due to physical or topographical limitations. Fences
shall be removed at the time of issuance of the final certificate of occupancy, or as
otherwise required by building code.
Indoor and outdoor events and activities in vacant buildings or properties

In order to promote activity and vibrancy in the County’s mixed-use and commercial areas,
indoor and outdoor short term events or activities in vacant buildings, vacant floors or portions
thereof, or vacant ground floor spaces in buildings, or on outdoor spaces (which may or may
not be vacant), may be allowed in C and M districts, and outdoor events and activities may
additionally be allowed in P districts, as follows:
A. Applicability
1. The buildings or building space used for indoor events shall be approved for retail,
service and commercial use(s) as provided in §12.2.5 or industrial use(s) as provided in
§12.2.6;
2. For any use consistent with all provisions of the subject zoning district and all relevant
site plan or use permit conditions for the subject property, provisions of this
§12.10.4.B shall not apply.
B. Uses
Notwithstanding use type limitations in use permit or site plan conditions:

§12.10.5 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN VACANT BUILDINGS OR PROPERTIES
1. Allowed indoor uses shall be those allowed in the subject zoning district, and shall
include indoor markets at which groups of individual sellers offer new or used goods
for sale;
2. Allowed outdoor events and activities shall include:
(a) Art galleries, carnivals, circuses, festivals, fairs, dog or horse shows, outdoor retail
sales events that are not associated with an established retail business on the
premises, and seasonal stands for the sale of Christmas trees, pumpkins, flowers,
fireworks, fruits and vegetables and the like, not associated with an established
retail business on the premises, and other uses, which in the judgment of the
Zoning Administrator, are of the same general character;
(b) Outdoor cafes, as provided in §12.9.15, associated with a use with an approved
Certificate of Occupancy for a restaurant located within 2,000 feet of the short
term use.
3. Signs shall not be allowed as short term uses, except as provided in §12.10.5.D below.
C. Frequency and length of events
Short term indoor and outdoor events and activities in any individual building or on any
individual property shall be allowed as follows:
1. Outdoor cafes, as provided in §12.10.5.B.2(b) above, shall be allowed for up to a total
of 90 days per year per property (where property refers to the property on which the
outdoor café is located).
2. All other allowed uses shall be allowed as follows, provided, however, that where a
site plan amendment has been filed for a change in use that would permit the short
term use for the subject property, the Zoning Administrator may renew the short term
use until such site plan amendment is acted upon by the County Board:
(a) Community service uses, as provided in §12.2.4.B, shall be initially allowed for a
cumulative total of 365 days, and all other uses shall initially be allowed for a
cumulative total of 180 days.
(b) After the initial duration provided in §12.10.5.C.2(a) above, all uses shall be allowed
for up to 90 days per year per building, building space or property.
D. Signs
1. Subject to §13.7, all signs for which no permit is required shall be allowed for indoor
and outdoor events, for up to 30 days prior to the public opening of the event and
during the time period for which the certificate of occupancy is issued,
notwithstanding comprehensive sign plan provisions for the subject property.
2. All other signs that meet all applicable provisions of Article 13 and are consistent with
any comprehensive sign plan for the property shall be allowed, subject to §15.8.
E. Additional provisions for outdoor events
Outdoor events shall be subject to the following additional standards:
1. Temporary buildings or structures allowed for outdoor events shall include tents,
shipping containers, and other similar temporary structures, subject to bulk, coverage

§12.10 SHORT TERM USE STANDARDS ARTICLE 12. USE STANDARDS
§12.10.6 POP-UP PARKS
and placement provisions in §3.2, and subject to all by-right height limitations in the
subject zoning district.
2. All outdoor spaces subject to the permit for short term use shall be restored to prior
conditions or to conditions otherwise required by the site plan or use permit
controlling the subject property, upon conclusion of the approved time period for
short term use.
Pop-up parks
Pop-up parks may be allowed on vacant properties in C and M districts, and on unbuilt portions
of properties governed under site plan or use permit, for up to three years and subject to
renewal at the end of three years if the use has been operating in compliance with all
applicable standards, as follows:
A. Pop-up parks shall be open to the general public.
B. Other short term uses within pop-up parks shall be subject to the provisions of §12.10.4.B;
and may also include open air markets where such use is allowed and subject to all
provisions of the approved use permit for the open-air market.
Portable storage devices

Portable storage devices, of a maximum of 8½ feet in height and width and 18 feet in length,
for storage of household and other goods that in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator, are
of the same general character, are permitted in R districts for up to 90 consecutive days, one
time per year, subject to the following standards:
A. Portable storage devices shall be placed no closer than five feet to any lot line.
B. No certificate of occupancy shall be required.
C. Portable storage devices that meet all requirements of §3.2 shall not be subject to the 90
day limitation.
Public, civic and institutional uses

A. Short term use of buildings approved for public, civic and institutional uses, as provided in
§12.2.4, may be allowed as follows:
1. Daily or hourly rental of classrooms, meeting rooms, auditoriums, multilevel parking
structures and recreational facilities to profit or nonprofit entities may be allowed as
follows:
(a) For college, community service, school, social service institution or recreation uses,
as provided in §12.2, for which a certificate of occupancy shall not be required; and
(b) The Zoning Administrator may approve commercial uses incidental to and
consistent with the purposes in §12.10.8.A.1 above, for periods not to exceed
seven consecutive days.
2. On transitional sites in S-3A and P-S districts, to permit the productive use of existing
publicly-owned structures, when the County Board determines it to be advisable to
continue to have such structures available for public use following the expiration of
the short term use, the County Board may approve short term commercial use of an
existing publicly-owned structure on a transitional site, subject to the following:

§12.10.9 RELOCATABLE STRUCTURES
(a) The proposed use shall be subject to approval of a use permit as provided in §15.4
and the provision of parking as required in §14.3;
(b) The proposed short term use shall be for the purpose of providing services to an
existing abutting use for a period not to exceed 15 years;
(c) Short term use of the transitional site may be approved notwithstanding the fact
that up to 25 percent of the area of the existing structure is located outside the
portion of the site within which transitional uses are allowed.
B. Day camps may be permitted as follows:
1. Day camps shall be allowed to operate for four consecutive months or less.
Relocatable structures
Relocatable structures may be added to any public school site that has an existing use permit
subject to compliance with the standards in §12.10.2 and the standards set forth in this section
§12.10.9 for up to three years from the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy and subject to
renewal at the end of three years , for one additional three-year term if the use is operating in
compliance with all applicable standards. The County Board may, through use permit approval
pursuant to §15.4, modify the applicable standards in §12.10.9.
A. Standards
Relocatable structures can be added to public school sites through an administrative
change per §15.4.7, subject to all applicable use permit conditions and compliance with
the following placement standards:
1. Relocatable structures shall comply with all setbacks and height limits as required in
the applicable zoning district.
2. Relocatable structures added administratively shall not be placed:
(a) Within a tree preservation area as defined by the critical root zone (1 foot radius
per 1 inch of diameter (measured at 4.5 feet (DBH))) for any tree greater than 8
inches DBH;
(b) On or within 15 feet from the boundary of a diamond, rectangular and combination
athletic field at middle or high schools as designated in the Arlington County Public
Spaces Master Plan and the Department of Parks and Recreation inventory of
athletic fields.
3. Relocatable structures shall only be permitted on property a) that is owned by the
applicant; or b) that the applicant has written authorization to use.

Article 13. Signs
§13.1. Purpose
A. To protect the safety and welfare of the public by minimizing hazards and distractions to
pedestrian and vehicular traffic;
B. To regulate the location of signs to prevent the distraction of drivers on public streets
while providing adequate information and assistance to pedestrians and information to
drivers while they remain in their cars but out of active traffic;
C. To avoid unnecessary visual clutter and to avoid the unregulated construction, placement
and display of signs that are or may become a public nuisance;
D. To provide a means of way-finding in the community, thus improving the pedestrian
experience, walkability of the community, usability of transit, and reducing traffic
confusion and congestion;
E. To provide one of the implementation tools for the Comprehensive Plan by establishing
sign regulations that are consistent with development and growth goals of the General
Land Use Plan (a key element of the Comprehensive Plan), which calls for concentrating
high density residential, commercial and office development within designated Metro
Station Areas, while preserving and enhancing existing one-family and multiple-family
neighborhoods and neighborhood retail areas;
F. To allow signs as accessory and incidental uses to the primary residential, commercial,
industrial and related uses in the County;
G. To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication for businesses,
organizations and individuals in Arlington County;
H. To balance the sign needs in the intensely urban parts of the County with the desires and
concerns of residents in lower density areas;
I. To further economic development by providing for adequate business identification,
advertising, and communication;
J. To prohibit signs of such excessive size and number that they obscure one another to the
detriment of the economic and social well-being of the County and its residents, property
owners and visitors;
K. To provide incentives to screen the clutter of large construction sites from public view;
L. To differentiate from other signs the small placards, labels and displays that provide
warnings, instructions and the like, in sizes and locations that do not add to clutter and
that are unlikely to distract drivers;
M. To minimize adverse effects of signs on nearby property;
N. To prohibit most signs with commercial messages in residential districts, while allowing
those messages that relate to commercial activities lawfully conducted on individual
properties within such districts; and
O. To provide broadly for the expression of individual opinions through the use of signs on
private property.

§13.2 APPLICABILITY ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.2.1 GENERALLY
§13.2. Applicability
Generally
This Article 13 shall apply to all signs, as defined herein, that are erected, placed, painted or
otherwise used in Arlington County. No sign shall be erected, placed, painted or otherwise
used unless expressly allowed under this Article 13.
Other standards and other permits required

Other provisions of Arlington County ordinances or state or federal law may apply to some
signs. Anyone installing or modifying a sign must comply with applicable provisions of this
Article 13 as well as with all applicable standards and permit requirements of other laws or
ordinances. Such additional permits and standards may include but are not necessarily limited
to:
A. Electrical permits for any type of electrified or lighted sign; and
B. Permits, encroachments or other approvals for any sign placed in a right-of-way.
Signs and similar devices to which ordinance not applicable

The following displays, graphics or elements of larger products are less likely than typical
advertising signs to undermine the stated purposes of this Article 13 and are not subject to
further regulation under this Article 13.
SIGNS AND SIMILAR DEVICES TO WHICH ORDINANCE NOT APPLICABLE
A. Signs inside buildings
Any sign located entirely inside a building and not legible from property other than the property on
which the sign is located. Signs inside buildings that are legible from property other than that on
which the sign is located shall be regulated as signs under this Article 13.
B. Signs on certain vehicles

Any sign on a currently licensed vehicle that is used in the normal course of operation of an
establishment for transportation. Signs on vehicles that are regularly parked in front of or near an
establishment and not regularly used for transportation shall be considered freestanding signs and
shall be regulated as such under this Article 13.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.2 APPLICABILITY
§13.2.3 SIGNS AND SIMILAR DEVICES TO WHICH ORDINANCE NOT APPLICABLE

C. Murals or works of art
A mural or work of visual art that otherwise meets the definition of “sign” in this Article 13 but that
conforms with either of the following standards shall not be subject to regulation under this Article
13:
1. Art that is installed or located in accordance with the Arlington County Public Art Policy; or
2. Art that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Is located on the wall of a building in any district, but not in R districts or RA14-26, RA8-
18, RA7-16 or RA6-15; and
(b) Includes no text legible from a public roadway; and
(c) Includes no logo or trademarked symbol; and
(d) Includes no specific commercial product, although it may include such generic products
as automobiles, furniture, soft drinks or other items where the brand is not apparent; and
(e) Includes no picture, symbol or device of any kind that relates to a commercial business,
product or service offered on the premises where the wall is located.
D. Architectural lighting and embellishments and lighting of rooflines
1. Architectural lighting and embellishments
The following shall be allowed and shall not be considered signs only if they do not otherwise
meet the definition of a sign as provided in Article 18, and are shown on a site plan approved by
the County Board under §15.5, or for a property developed under the Form Based Code and
subject to Appendices A or B, shown on a use permit approved by the County Board under §15.4:
(a) Tubes or strips of lights that outline a building or a part thereof;
(b) Lighting that highlights parts of a building that does not otherwise include a sign as
defined in Article 18; and/or
(c) Architectural embellishments such as special rooflines, parapets, building extensions or
accessories.
2. Lighting of rooflines
In Metro Corridors as designated on the General Land Use Plan, the County Board may approve
by special exception the lighting of roof lines of buildings at heights greater than 75 feet.
E. Signs carried by persons
Devices or objects resembling a sign while carried by a person, whether such device or thing
includes commercial or noncommercial messages or both. Such devices or objects may be regulated
by other parts of the Arlington County Code.
F. Product displays
Outdoor display of products where allowed under other provisions of this zoning ordinance and other
sections of the County Code. Products and the labels thereon in permitted outdoor displays shall not
be regulated under this Article 13. This Article 13 shall, however, apply to any sign, banner, pennant,
or other attention-attracting device affixed to a product displayed outdoors. For example, the label
“Chevrolet” on an automobile or “John Deere” on a tractor in a display shall not be considered a sign
for purposes of this Article 13, but a separate sign attached to such a product shall be considered a
sign and subject to regulation.
G. Certain signs in historic areas
This Article 13 shall not apply to signs to which §15.7.10.A is applicable.

§13.3 MODIFICATIONS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.2.4 STRICT CONSTRUCTION OF APPLICABILITY

H. Signs required by federal, state or County law or regulation
This Article 13 shall not apply to signs required by a federal, state or County laws or regulations,
including, but not limited to, signs conforming to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Strict construction of applicability

The provisions on applicability shall be strictly construed. If there is any doubt or dispute about
whether the sign regulations are applicable to a display, graphic or other device, it shall be
considered a sign subject to regulation under this Article 13.
§13.3. Modifications
Special exceptions
A. The standards in this Article 13 may be modified only as set forth in this §13.3, by approval
of a comprehensive sign plan through the use permit process in §15.4, or for properties
that are the subject of a special exception site plan, through the site plan approval process
in §15.5. In addition to the applicable standards in §15.5, the County Board may approve
modifications to standards in this Article 13 where it finds that the modification of
regulations is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and will not adversely
impact the neighborhood in which the sign is located, as follows:
1. Under no circumstances shall the County Board approve:
(a) A sign type or characteristic explicitly prohibited in §13.4, except as set forth in
subsection (c), below;
(b) Sign luminance exceeding maximum standards in §13.12.2;
(c) Modification of hours of sign illumination unless expressly permitted in §13.12.3;
(d) A sign type not listed as an allowed sign type for the district in which the property is
located;
(e) More aggregate sign area than is allowed by §13.15.2.D; or
(f) Modification of sign area or placement for signs placed above a height of 40 feet as
set forth in §13.7.1.E.2 or §13.7.1.G except where expressly permitted below.
2. On properties subject to §13.6, §13.7, §13.8 or §13.10, Form Based Code regulations
in Appendix A, Section VI.F or Appendix B, Section 611, the County Board may:
(a) Reallocate sign area among sign types
For signs included in aggregate sign area, the County Board may approve an
increase in the maximum permitted sign area identified for the subject sign type
for one sign per building, if it also finds that:

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.3 MODIFICATIONS
§13.3.1 SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS
(1) The aggregate sign area for the building or project does not exceed the area
allocated by §13.15.2.D for properties subject to §13.6, §13.7 or §13.10, or
the aggregate sign area is not exceeded for properties subject to Appendix A
or B; and
(2) The reallocation of sign area and/or lighting of the sign does not adversely
impact abutting residential properties or residential properties across the
street from the subject property.
(b) Modify placement standards for signs
The County Board may modify placement standards for signs, including standards
for signs placed above a height of 40 feet only as set forth in §13.7.1.G.3,
Appendix A, Part VI.F.3.f or Appendix B, 611.C.5, where topography or lot
configuration significantly limits placement or effectiveness of signs(s) on the
subject building or property, such that:
(1) The location of the building, main building entrance or tenant entrance is
not visible to pedestrian traffic; or
(2) The surrounding street network or other transportation options limit
visibility of signs placed in permitted locations; or
(3) The building has frontage on a plaza or other pedestrian pathway where
signs are not otherwise allowed.
(c) Approve innovative elements
The County Board may modify regulations for those signs included in aggregate
sign area to approve innovative elements of signs that conform to the following
Ordinance requirements: automatic changeable copy elements as set forth in
§13.13; distance from R and RA districts; direction the sign faces; number of
signs; maximum sign size and height; and total aggregate sign area.
(d) Modify regulations for signs placed above a height of 40 feet
Where the County Board finds that a sign is i) substantially blocked from view of
properties within one mile of the sign that are zoned R, RA14-26, RA8-18, RA7-16
and RA6-15 and used for residential purposes; ii) compatible with the
architectural style of the building on which it is located in scale, design and color;
and iii) compatible with other signs on the building; then, subject to such
conditions as the County Board may impose to ensure that the sign functions
without glare or disturbance to nearby uses, which conditions may include but
shall not be limited to reduced luminance levels, reduction in sign area, and
reduced hours of illumination, the County Board may modify regulations in this
Article 13 as follows:
(1) The County Board may allow placement of a sign above a height of 40 feet
where not otherwise allowed by the standards set forth in §13.7.1.G.7; and
(2) Except where expressly prohibited, the County Board may modify hours of
illumination set forth in §13.12.3 for a sign placed above a height of 40 feet.
3. Where the Historical Affairs and Landmarks Review Board determines that no sign
can meet both the standards for approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness and be in
compliance with this Article 13, then the County Board may approve a sign that does

§13.4 SIGNS REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL DISTRICTS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.3.2 NO VARIANCES
not comply with this Article 13, but meets the standards for a Certificate of
Appropriateness.
B. For treatment of signs allowed by a site plan or comprehensive sign plan approved by
Special Exception before July 24, 2012, see §13.18.3.D.
No variances
The standards in this Article 13 are not subject to variance under §15.6.4.
§13.4. Signs Regulations Applicable to All Districts

Signs allowed in all districts
A. Information on vending machines and similar devices
Signs on vending machines used for the sale of products if they do not flash.
B. Information on news racks

Signs on news racks and similar machines and devices used for the sale or dispensing of products if
they do not flash and if they are either not legible from any property other than the property on which
the sign is located; or if they consist entirely of letters, numerals or symbols that are less than four
inches in height.
C. Signs at polling places

Unlighted, noncommercial, temporary signs erected on the day before or the day of an election, or a
nominating caucus for a political party registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia on the lot of the
officially designated polling place for a period not to exceed 24 hours. Each sign may be no larger
than four and one-half square feet in area.
Signs prohibited in all districts

The following types of signs and sign characteristics are prohibited and shall not be permitted
by variance or special exception (see §13.3), except as otherwise provided in §13.3.1.A.2(c):
A. Any commercial sign that is not accessory or incidental to the existing or otherwise
approved lawful use of the property on which it is located;
B. Any portable sign except those sidewalk signs expressly allowed under §13.7.10 and
§13.8.12;

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.4 SIGNS REGULATIONS AP PLICABLE TO ALL DISTRICTS
§13.4.2 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL DISTR ICTS
C. Balloons or other devices that are not specifically permitted elsewhere in this Article 13
and that are located or designed to attract attention to goods or services;
D. Signs attached to, painted on or otherwise affixed to any rock, tree or other natural
feature;
E. Any sign erected or painted upon a standpipe, or fire escape, except the manufacturer's or
installer's ID plate, which shall not be legible from a distance of more than three feet;
F. Any sign painted on or attached to a fence, except:
1. Certain freestanding signs as expressly allowed by this Article 13;
2. Signs on fences or other screening devices at construction sites, as allowed by
§13.16.2.C.3; and
3. Signs that contain no commercial message and that are smaller than two square feet
in R, RA-615, RA7-16, RA8-18 and RA14-26 districts and smaller than four square feet
in all other districts;
4. Temporary banners as permitted by §13.10.3;
G. Projected image signs, except as permitted by §13.8;
H. Searchlights and other projections into the sky;
I. Signs for which a separate structure is mounted on a roof or parapet;
J. Sign structures which do not support a sign, including otherwise permitted or
nonconforming sign structures, after the sign has been removed for a period of 30 days;
K. Any sign that falsely presents or implies the need or requirement of stopping or caution or
the existence of danger or that is a copy or imitation of or that for any reason is likely to
be confused with any sign displayed or authorized by a public authority;
L. Any sign that violates any provision of any law of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the
United States relating to outdoor advertising;
M. Any sign that violates any provision of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code;
N. Any sign or device to attract attention, whether or not it has written message content, of
which all or any part moves by any means, including fluttering, rotating or otherwise
moving devices, or set in motion by movement of the atmosphere including, but not
limited to, pennants, propellers, discs, balloons, and similar devices. This prohibition does
not apply to:
1. Flags otherwise allowed under this Article 13;
2. Automatic changeable copy signs that conform with §13.13.2; or
3. Project image signs as permitted by §13.8; or
4. Banners where allowed by this Article 13, provided that such banners are firmly
affixed at all corners to mitigate movement or flapping in the breeze.
O. Any flashing sign or device displaying flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing
degrees of intensity; this prohibition does not apply to:

§13.4 SIGNS REGULATIONS AP PLICABLE TO ALL DISTRICTS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.4.2 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL DISTRICTS
1. Devices that automatically reduce the intensity or brightness of the sign at night and
that increase it during the day; or
2. Automatic changeable copy signs that conform with §13.13.2;
P. Sign lighting that does not conform to the standards of §13.12;
Q. Signs that produce sound, cause interference with radio, telephone, television or other
communication transmissions; produce or reflect motion pictures; emit visible smoke,
vapor, particles, or odor; and
R. Reflective signs or signs that produce light of such brightness as to constitute a hazard or
nuisance to any person, building or property other than the person, building or property
to which the sign may be related, as determined by the zoning administrator.
S. Any sign advertising any commercial activity, product, or service not on the lot on which
the sign is placed or not in a location that is part of the same approved comprehensive
sign plan or site plan.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.5 SIGNS IN R DISTRICTS AND FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN ALL DISTRICTS
§13.5.1 GENERAL
§13.5. Signs in R Districts and for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

in All Districts
General
A. Signs allowed
The sign types listed and described in this §13.5 are allowed on private property in one-
family R districts (excluding R-C districts) and for one- and two-family uses in all districts,
subject to all permit requirements, standards and conditions set forth for each sign type.
B. Lighting
Signs allowed under this §13.5 shall not be separately lighted unless the standard in the
general standards table says “yes” or “see standards” next to the “separately lighted?”
query. The fact that a sign may be partly or wholly illuminated by a porch light; other light
serving another purpose; or a light designed to make street addresses visible in
accordance with County regulation shall not be considered “separately lighted.”
C. Changeable copy
Signs allowed in these districts shall not include automatic changeable copy elements
unless the standard in the general standards table says “yes” next to the “automatic
changeable copy?” query. §13.13 contains standards that apply to all automatic
changeable copy signs under this Article 13.
SIGNS ALLOWED IN R DISTRICTS AND FOR ONE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
Flags
A. Defined
A piece of cloth or other material affixed to a pole on two corners.
B. General standards
Maximum number of poles 3
Maximum height of poles 35 ft.
Maximum flags per pole 2
Maximum flag size 60 sq. ft.
Maximum total flag area 180 sq. ft.
Permit required? No
Separate lighting? Yes
Automatic changeable copy No
Commercial messages? No

§13.5 SIGNS IN R DISTRICTS AND FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS IN ALL DISTRICTS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.5.1 GENERAL
Freestanding and temporary signs

A. Defined
A sign that is affixed to the ground, or to a wall that is not part of a building, or to a fence;
freestanding signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on monument-
style foundations, on poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures.
Maximum size 6.5 sq. ft.
Maximum height (if freestanding) 5 feet
Number See §13.5.3.C below
Permit required? No
Separate lighting? No
Commercial messages? See other standards below
C. Other standards
1. One permanent freestanding sign is permitted and may contain only a noncommercial
message.
2. Any number of temporary signs with noncommercial messages are permitted.
3. Up to three temporary signs with commercial messages are permitted at one time and
shall be allowed only for the following activities:
(a) Commercial activity lawfully conducted on the premises other than home occupations
pursuant to §12.9.11, including the lawful, occasional sale of personal property (such
as through a garage sale or a yard sale). Such signs shall be removed within 24
hours after the end of the sale or conclusion of commercial activity; or
(b) Sale, rental or lease of the premises. Such signs shall be removed no later than the
date on which the deed, lease or other document representing the transaction is
completed.
Incidental signs
A. Defined
A small, noncommercial sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide
information or directions that are necessary for the physical use of the site, such as warnings,
parking rules or way-finding information.
Maximum size (wall) 1.5 sq. ft.
Maximum size (freestanding) 1.5 sq. ft.
Maximum height (freestanding) 4 ft.
Number allowed Unlimited
Permit required? No

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.6 SIGNS IN RA DISTRICT S AND FOR TOWNHOUSES IN ANY ZONING DISTR ICT
§13.6.1 GENERAL
Signs for public, civic and institutional uses

(optional)
See §13.9 for additional standards applicable to public, civic and institutional uses
§13.6. Signs in RA Districts and for Townhouses in any Zoning

District
General
A. Signs allowed
The sign types listed and described in this §13.6 are allowed on private property in the
RA14-26, RA8-18, RA7-16, and RA6-15 districts, and on townhouse properties in all
districts, subject to all permit requirements, standards and conditions set forth for each
sign type.
B. Lighting
general standards table says “yes” or “see standards” next to the “separately lighted?”
query. The fact that a sign may be partly or wholly illuminated by a porch light or other
light serving another purpose shall not be considered “separately lighted.”
C. Changeable copy
Signs allowed under this §13.6 shall not include automatic changeable copy elements
unless the standard in the general standards table says “yes” next to the “automatic
changeable copy?” query. See §13.13 for standards that apply to all automatic
changeable copy signs under this Article 13.

§13.6 SIGNS IN RA DISTRICT S AND FOR TOWNHOUSES IN ANY ZONING DISTR ICT ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.6.1 GENERAL
SIGNS ALLOWED IN RA DISTRICTS AND FOR TOWNHOUSE USES IN ANY ZONING DISTRICT
Awning or canopy signs
A. Defined
Awning sign: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning.
Canopy sign: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the flat vertical surface of or sits on top of a
canopy.
Maximum number 1 per building per street frontage if no freestanding
sign(s) or wall sign
Maximum size 24 sq. ft.
Permit required? Yes
Automatic changeable copy? No
Included in aggregate sign area? Yes
C. Other standards
The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for signs on awnings or canopies This section
does not govern the installation of awnings, canopies and other appurtenances; installation, design
and dimensions of the awning or canopy are determined by applicable provisions of this zoning
ordinance and/or from an approved site plan and/or other applicable County ordinance regulation
or requirement.
Banners
Banners are allowed in these districts only during period of construction and sale/leasing; see
§13.16, Temporary signs for construction and sale/leasing.
Flags
A. Defined
Maximum height of poles 35 ft.
Permit required? No
Included in aggregate sign area? No

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.6 SIGNS IN RA DISTRICT S AND FOR TOWNHOUSES IN ANY ZONING DISTR ICT
§13.6.1 GENERAL
C. Other standards
Flagpoles shall be located as shown on an approved site plan; if there is no approved site plan for
the property and no site plan is required, flagpoles shall be located within 30 feet of the principal
entrance to the main building.
Freestanding signs
A. Defined
A sign that is affixed to the ground or a wall that is not part of a building, or a fence; freestanding
signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on monument-style foundations, on
poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures.
Maximum size at pedestrian entrance 6.5 sq. ft.
Maximum size at driveway or vehicular entrance 12 sq. ft.
Maximum height at pedestrian entrance 5 ft.
Maximum height at driveway or vehicular entrance 8 ft.
Number allowed 1 per driveway or vehicular entrance; plus 1
per postal street address or 1 per 20
dwelling units, whichever is fewer
Minimum setback 3 ft. from back of sidewalk; 5 ft. from any
other property line
Commercial messages? See standards below
C. Other standards
1. For townhouse uses, freestanding signs are permitted only in R and RA districts.
Incidental signs
A. Defined
A small, noncommercial sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide
Maximum size (wall) 4 sq. ft.
Maximum size (freestanding) 4 sq. ft.
Permit required? No

§13.6 SIGNS IN RA DISTRICT S AND FOR TOWNHOUSES IN ANY ZONING DISTR ICT ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.6.1 GENERAL
Signs for public, civic and institutional uses (optional)
See §13.9 for additional standards applicable to public, civic and institutional uses.
Temporary signs
A. Defined
A sign that may easily be moved or removed and that can feasibly be displayed for a limited period
of time in any one location.
Maximum height (if freestanding) 5 feet
Number 3 per townhouse dwelling
Permit required? No
Commercial messages? Yes
C. Other standards
Temporary signs allowed by this subsection §13.6.8 are allowed only for individual townhouse
dwellings that are not advertised by any other commercial sign allowed by this Article 13. Up to
three temporary signs with commercial message are permitted at one time, and shall be allowed
only for the following activities:
1. Commercial activity lawfully conducted on the premises, including the lawful, occasional sale of
personal property (such as through a garage sale or a yard sale). Such signs shall be
removed within 24 hours after the end of the sale or conclusion of commercial activity; or
2. Sale, rental or lease of the premises. Such signs shall be removed no later than the date on
which the deed, lease or other document representing the transaction is completed.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.7 SIGNS IN C AND M DISTRICTS (EXCLUDING ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE USES)
§13.7.1 GENERAL
Wall signs
A. Defined
Any sign that is affixed directly to or suspended from a wall, marquee, mansard wall, or parapet
wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to and
projecting no more than 18 inches from the face of the wall. A wall sign may be either of one-piece
construction or of individual connected or related letters or symbols.
Number allowed 1 per building if no awning sign, canopy
sign or freestanding sign(s)
Commercial messages? See standards below
C. Other standards
A wall sign may contain a commercial message related to an activity lawfully conducted on the
premises including the sale, lease or rental of the property or any unit or part thereof.
Window signs
A. Defined
Any permanent or temporary sign, including any decal, that is legible from the outside, including
plazas, public streets, and parking lots, and that is placed on the outside or inside face of a window
or mounted within two feet of the inside face of the window.
Number allowed Unlimited temporary signs in windows only of
residential dwelling units
Permit required? No
§13.7. Signs in C and M Districts (excluding One- and Two-Family

and Townhouse Uses)
General
A. Signs allowed
The sign types listed and described in this §13.7 are allowed on private property in
commercial/mixed-use (C) and industrial (M) districts, except for one- and two-family and
townhouse uses, subject to the permit requirements, standards and conditions set forth
for each sign type.
B. Lighting
Signs allowed under §13.7 shall not be separately lighted unless the standard in the table
says “yes” or “see standards” next to the “separately lighted?” query. The fact that a sign

§13.7 SIGNS IN C AND M DISTRICTS (EXCLUDING ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE USES) ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.7.1 GENERAL
may be partly or wholly illuminated by a porch light or other light serving another purpose
shall not be considered “separately lighted.”
C. Changeable copy
unless the standard in the table says “yes” next to the “automatic changeable copy?”
query. See §13.13 for standards that apply to all automatic changeable copy signs under
this Article 13.
D. Aggregate sign area allowed
1. Aggregate sign area for buildings without a comprehensive sign plan
For buildings without a comprehensive sign plan, the aggregate sign area allowed for
each tenant is the larger of 60 sq. ft. or one sq. ft. of sign area per linear foot of
building frontage, plus:
(a) For buildings with more than one entrance, one additional sign not exceeding 6 sq.
ft. for each secondary entrance; and
(b) For commercial buildings located on corner lots or lots abutting streets at both the
front and rear, or for commercial buildings served by an abutting parking lot of no
less than 60 feet in width located to the side or rear of the main building, one
additional sign not exceeding 30 sq. ft. on the side or rear wall of the building that
abuts the public street or parking lot associated with the building.
2. Aggregate sign area for buildings with a comprehensive sign plan
For a single building or combination of buildings with a comprehensive sign plan, the
aggregate sign area allowed is the sum of:
(a) One sq. ft. of sign area per linear foot of building frontage; plus
(b) For buildings in any C district except C-1-R, C-1, C-1-O, C-2 and C-O-1.0, one
additional sq. ft. of sign area for each linear foot of façade (the length of a straight
line measured from one end of the building wall of the façade to the other end of
the same wall, where neither articulations nor off-sets in the wall shall increase the
length of the façade), counting only those portions of the building façade approved
for retail use and that have at least one exterior public entrance per tenant, for
each of the following (when not already counted in §13.7.1.D.2(a) above):
(1) Any façade fronting a Pedestrian Priority Street or Shared Street as defined
in the Arlington County Master Transportation Plan;
(2) Any façade fronting an area meeting all of the following criteria:
(i) Provides an unenclosed park or plaza open to the public shown on an
adopted sector, small area or revitalization plan; or provides an
unenclosed park or plaza open to the public located as required by an
approved site plan condition(s); and
(ii) Has at least a portion at grade with the adjacent sidewalk; and
(iii)Is contiguous with the public right-of-way; and
(iv) Is not separated from the building façade by an off-street parking area;

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.7 SIGNS IN C AND M DISTRICTS (EXCLUD ING ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY AND TOWNHOUSE USES)
§13.7.1 GENERAL
(c) Any portion of building façade counted in §13.7.1.D.2(a), (b)(1) or (b)(2) above, that
contains two stories approved for retail use that are each at least ten feet above
finished grade and have at least one exterior public entrance per tenant; plus
(d) For a building with one or more establishments with at least one exterior public
entrance and less than 60 feet of cumulative frontage and façade counted in
§13.7.1.D.2(a), (b) and (c) above, 60 sq. ft. for each such establishment minus the
length of any frontage already counted in §13.7.1.D.2(a), (b) and (c) above.
E. Additional sign area for specified uses
1. In public parking garages equipped with technology that identifies available parking
spaces within the garage in real time, in addition to other signs on a development
project, the county manager may place, or cause to be placed, additional wall or
freestanding automatic changeable copy signs at the garage entry to a public parking
facility. Such signs shall:
(a) Be limited to noncommercial messages and shall be no larger than 60 sq. ft.;
(b) Be allowed in addition to otherwise allowed aggregate sign area;
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of §13.13.2, be allowed to include up to 12 sq. ft. of
automatic changeable copy elements for each sign; and
(d) Be of such design as the county manager may determine.
2. Any building that meets the following criteria may install up to a maximum of two
additional wall or blade signs above a height of 40 feet, with a permit, subject to the
standards listed below. Such signs shall be allowed in addition to otherwise allocated
aggregate sign area, but shall be separate from, and not combined with signs included
in aggregate sign area, and under no circumstances shall more than two signs per
building be placed above a height of 40 feet.
(a) The building is not located in an S-3A, S-D, R, RA, C-1, C-2, C-1-O, C-O-1.0 or C-1-R
district;
(b) The building is more than 70 feet in height;
(c) The building, above the ground floor, is devoted primarily to office, commercial,
public or at least 50 percent to hotel uses; and
(d) The maximum area of each additional sign is limited as follows:
Height of Building Maximum Sign Area (sq. ft.)
70 ft. – 100 ft. 0.6 x building width at height of sign
101 ft. – 200 ft. 1.0 x building width at height of sign
>201 ft. 1.5 x building width at height of sign
F. Placement standards for signs below a height of 40 feet

1. No signs shall be permitted on that part of the side or rear wall of a building within
100 feet of any R or RA district except, where a tenant’s primary entrance is located
on a side or rear wall of a building, the tenant’s sign that otherwise would be allowed
on the front wall of the building may be erected on the wall where the primary
entrance is located.

§13.7.1 GENERAL
2. No sign shall extend above the height of the roofline of the building, measured from
the actual roofline in the case of a flat roof or from the eaves line in the case of a hip
or gable roof; except, on a building that is 24 feet or less in height, up to 20 percent of
the sign area may extend up to 1.5 feet above the roofline.
G. Placement standards for signs above a height of 40 feet
In order to protect the viewshed for properties in residential districts
that face commercial areas of the County, the following provisions
are set forth in order to limit visibility of signs placed above a height
of 40 feet.
1. Under no circumstances shall more than two signs per building
be placed above a height of 40 feet, and under no circumstances
shall more than one sign be placed above a height of 40 feet on
any building façade directly facing Line B on Map 13-1.
2. No sign shall be placed above a height of 40 feet in a C-1, C-2, C-
1-O, C-O-1.0 or C-1-R district.
3. Horizontally oriented signs shall fit within a sign band that is no
more than six feet in height, provided, however, that up to 20
percent of the sign may be no more than nine feet in height.
The designated sign band shall be placed within the 20 feet of
the building façade below the main roofline or other roofline of
the building below the main roofline for a building where there
are multiple rooflines.
4. No sign shall extend above the height of the roofline of the
building, measured from the actual roofline in the case of a flat
roof or from the eaves line in the case of a hip or gable roof.
5. No sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall have any automatic changeable copy
element.
6. All signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be illuminated only by internal lighting
and hours of illumination shall be as set forth in §13.12.3.
7. Signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be placed on building facades
perpendicular to or facing away from the line identified as Line A on Map 13-1, but
shall not be placed on facades facing Line A (a façade shall be considered to be facing
Line A if it is less than 90 degrees from parallel). Provided, however, that such signs
may be placed on building facades abutting streets parallel to Line A, including but
not limited to, Wilson Blvd., Clarendon Blvd., Fairfax Dr., S. Randolph St., S. Quincy St.
and Campbell Ave, if the building façade is not within 200 feet of an R or RA district,
and the applicant demonstrates that view of the sign is substantially blocked from the
aforementioned districts by a building or other obstruction of equal or greater height
to the height of the sign. Placement of signs above a height of 40 feet may be allowed
by the Zoning Administrator as set forth in this paragraph, or may be modified by the
County Board, only as set forth in §13.3.1.A.2(d).

§13.7.1 GENERAL
SIGNS ALLOWED IN C AND M DISTRICTS

Arcade signs
A. Defined
A sign that is suspended underneath an awning, canopy, marquee, overhang, or other structural
element of a building that forms a covered passageway for pedestrians.
Maximum number 1 per public entrance under canopy
Minimum clearance above sidewalk 8 ft.
C. Other standards
Allowed only where multiple establishments share a common canopy ceiling over a sidewalk.
A. Defined
Awning signs: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning.
Canopy sign: A sign that is affixed to the flat vertical surface of or sits on top of a canopy.
Maximum number 1 per awning or canopy; for awnings or canopies longer
than 8 linear feet, 1 per 8 ft. of linear awning or canopy
Maximum size 60 sq. ft. without a comprehensive sign plan; no limit
other than aggregate sign area with a comprehensive
sign plan
C. Other standards
The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for signs on awnings or canopies; installation,
design and dimensions of the awning or canopy are determined by applicable provisions of this
zoning ordinance and/or from an approved site plan and/or other applicable County ordinance
regulation or requirement.

§13.7.1 GENERAL
Blade signs
A. Defined
Any sign that is attached in a plane approximately perpendicular to the surface of a building or other
structure.
Maximum size for any property without a 20 sq. ft.
comprehensive sign plan
Maximum size for any property with a comprehensive 20 sq. ft. <70 feet of building frontage
sign plan 35.sq.ft. >= 70 feet of building frontage
Maximum projection 42 inches
Minimum vertical clearance 10 ft. above finished grade
Automatic changeable copy? Yes, subject to standards of §13.12
Maximum height to top of sign 40 feet, except a maximum of two wall or blade signs
per building may be placed above a height of 40 feet,
subject to the standards in §13.7.1.G.
C. Other standards
1. A blade sign may require a separate encroachment agreement or permit from the County,
subject to established standards.
2. A blade sign may be applied to fabric or other flexible, durable material provided the sign is
firmly affixed to prevent movement.
D. Relationship to wall signs
A sign that projects 18 inches or less from the wall is considered a wall sign; see §13.7.13.
Flags
A. Defined
Maximum height of pole 35 ft.
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
Flagpoles shall be located as shown on an approved site plan; if there is no approved site plan for
the property and no site plan is required, flagpoles shall be located within 30 feet of the principal
entrance to the main building.

§13.7.1 GENERAL
Freestanding signs
A. Defined
freestanding signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on monument-style
foundations, on poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures.
B. General Standards
Maximum size 60 sq. ft. per side; may be 2-sided
Maximum height 15 ft.
Number allowed 1 except as provided below
Minimum setback 10 ft. from back of sidewalk
5 ft. from other property lines
C. Uses for which allowed
Freestanding signs are allowed for only the following uses:
1. Outdoor sales lot or other lot, the use of which involves no main building and consists primarily
of the use of land;
2. Unified shopping center; and
3. Vehicle service establishment (replaces a wall sign).
D. Other standards
1. For a unified shopping center, one additional freestanding identification sign may be approved if
both freestanding signs are incorporated into screening or retaining walls or planter boxes or
are mounted on a brick base with a maximum height of three feet and a maximum overall base
and sign height of 15 feet, and the total sign area of both freestanding signs does not exceed
60 sq. ft.
2. For vehicle service establishments, a group of fuel pumps may have additional signs not
exceeding an aggregate area of 12 sq. ft. for each pump island.
3. For uses listed in subsection C, above, located on a corner lot or on a lot with frontage on two or
more streets, one additional freestanding sign may be approved with the same dimensions as
the first sign.
4. Where two or more freestanding signs are allowed on a site, the sign placed on the side street
shall not be located within 200 feet of property zoned R or RA.
5. For a permitted drive-through window accessory to any use, one additional freestanding or wall
mounted sign shall be permitted to be located within five feet of the drive-aisle for the drive-
through window, up to a maximum of 12 sq. ft. in size, so long as no words, numerals, symbols
or pictures on such device are legible from any property other than the property on which the
drive-through window is located. If such sign or other device is larger than four sq. ft. or it is
electrified, it shall require a permit.

§13.7.1 GENERAL
Incidental signs
A. Defined
A small, noncommerical sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide
Maximum size (freestanding) 3 sq. ft. per side, may be 2-sided
Number allowed As needed
Permit required? No
Commercial messages? Limited; see standards below
C. Other standards
1. One incidental sign per 1st or 2nd floor occupant may contain a commercial message.
2. Freestanding signs may be placed only on the perimeter of a parking lot and may be no less
than 25 feet apart.
3. Wall or blade signs of a maximum of 6.5 sq. ft., with no dimension exceeding 4 sq. ft., that meet
all other standards in subsection §13.7.7.B, above, and all standards
prescribed in the diagram to the left may be installed on public parking
facilities. Compliance with these standards shall be determined by the
zoning administrator, based on factors that include but are not limited to:
location; color; size; shape and lettering, as shown in the diagram at left.
Signs for public, civic and institutional uses (optional)

See §13.9 for additional standards applicable to public, civic and institutional uses.
Signs for urban regional shopping centers

For alternative regulations applicable to urban regional shopping centers, see §13.8

§13.7.1 GENERAL
Sidewalk signs
A. Defined
A temporary, self-supporting sign made of durable material and located on the sidewalk in front of a
use for which such a sign is allowed.
Maximum size 7 sq. ft. per side (may be two-sided)
Maximum height 3.5 ft.
Number allowed One per public entrance directly from sidewalk into
establishment
Permit required? No
Changeable copy? No
C. Other standards
1. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only for establishments (but not for home
occupations);
2. No more than one temporary sidewalk sign is permitted for each public entrance to an
establishment. For purposes of this §13.7.10, a parking garage is an establishment and a
public entrance includes a vehicular entrance;
3. If an establishment has more than one public entrance and two of the public entrances face the
same street and are located within 200 feet or less of each other, then a sign shall be allowed
for only one of the public entrances;
4. Such signs may be placed on the sidewalk only during hours the establishment is open;
5. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only on sidewalks where there is an existing
minimum six-foot clear walkway (an unobstructed areas serving as circulation space for
pedestrians). In order to provide adequate clearance for pedestrians and persons with visual
and mobility disabilities, such signs shall not be placed within any required clear walkway for the
site, and shall be located either entirely within two feet of the building face, or within the
landscape and utility zone such that there is at least one foot between the sign and the edge of
the curb (on sidewalks where there is no landscaping, sidewalk signs may be placed within four
feet of the edge of the curb if such placement maintains the clear walkway required in this
subparagraph and maintains at least one foot between the sign and the edge of the curb);
6. Temporary sidewalk signs shall not be placed in tree pits that are not covered with hard grates;
7. Such signs shall be self-supporting, either with legs or supports that are continuous with the
plane of the sign face; or with a solid base no wider than the sign width, protruding no more
than 12 inches from the plane of the sign face, and separated by no more than six inches from
the bottom of the sign face; and
8. Any sign found by the zoning administrator to be unsafe or to present a hazard or to impair a
required clear walkway, shall be removed immediately.
Temporary signs
For temporary signs allowed in these districts, see window signs (§13.7.14) and temporary signs for
construction and sale/leasing (§13.16).

§13.7.1 GENERAL
Umbrella signs
A. Defined
A sign painted on or affixed to the surface of an umbrella.
Maximum size Up to 4 sq. ft. on any individual umbrella
Permit required? No
Wall signs
A. Defined
Any sign that is affixed directly to or suspended from a building wall, marquee, mansard wall, or
parapet wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to and
Maximum size For a building or property for which there is an approved
comprehensive sign plan, the only dimensional limitation
or limitation on total number of signs per occupant is the
maximum aggregate sign area (see §13.19.1.A), as
allocated under the approved comprehensive sign plan.
For properties for which there is not an approved
comprehensive sign plan, the maximum size per sign is
60 sq. ft.
Maximum height to top of sign 40 feet, except for a building with a comprehensive sign
plan, up to two wall or blade signs per building may be
placed above a height of 40 feet, subject to the standards
in §13.7.1.G.
C. Other standards
Up to 50 sq. ft. of wall signs placed inside of a public parking garage, two feet or more from and
mounted approximately perpendicular to the façade on which the vehicular entrance to the garage is
located shall not be counted as part of aggregate sign area.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS
§13.8.1 ADDITIONAL PURPOSES
Window signs
A. Defined
Maximum total area per sign 80 sq. ft. or 20 percent of window area, whichever is less, for all
buildings except in windows of individual residential dwelling units
(see C.2 below)
Permit required? No
Commercial messages? Yes; except commercial messages are not allowed in windows of
individual residential dwelling units (see C.2 below).
C. Other standards
1. Window signs shall be allowed only for establishments located on the first or second floor of a
building up to a maximum height of 40 feet.
2. An unlimited number of temporary window signs with noncommercial messages only, up to 6.5
sq. ft. per sign is permitted in the windows, only of individual residential dwelling units.
§13.8. SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS

The following signs are permitted for an urban regional shopping center. Buildings or portions of a
building in a development project that are not part of or accessory to the urban regional shopping
center shall not be eligible for the regulations set forth in this §13.8.
Additional purposes
To promote the role of an urban regional shopping center that is a major commercial and activity
node for a surrounding neighborhood, the following purposes, supplementing those set forth in
§13.1 support the adoption of special provisions for signs for urban regional shopping centers:
A. Facilitate the transformation of an existing urban regional shopping center to encourage
transparency into buildings and improve the pedestrian environment;
B. Reflect the unique character of an urban regional shopping center with regard to the built
form and concentration of retail, restaurant and entertainment uses;
C. Contribute to a convenient, attractive and harmonious community in a manner consistent
with the vision in adopted County plans and policies;
D. Maintain traffic safety and improve vehicular circulation on surrounding streets by
assisting with wayfinding both within and along the periphery of the development project;
E. Manage the flow and circulation of pedestrian traffic among a substantial number of
commercial tenants spread out amongst a large land area and attracting customers from
throughout the broader region both within and beyond the County;

§13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
F. Promote economic development by providing for adequate identification of businesses in

a manner that recognizes the active nature of an urban regional shopping center while
remaining sensitive to the context of the adjoining neighborhood.
Applicability
A. Choice of standards
1. An urban regional shopping center may choose to have its signs regulated under the
sign regulations applicable to other uses in the same district as the urban regional
shopping center or under the regulations set forth in this §13.8. An urban regional
shopping center may use these optional regulations subject to the following:
(a) The urban regional shopping center is governed by an approved site plan;
(b) All signs are shown on an approved comprehensive sign plan as provided in §13.15;
and
(c) The intent to utilize the optional regulations of this §13.8 is declared on the
comprehensive sign plan.
2. No urban regional shopping center may mix and match signs allowed under this §13.8
with signs allowed for other uses in the same district, provided however:
(a) Buildings or the portion of a building(s) in a development project that are not part
of or accessory to the urban regional shopping center shall use the sign types and
regulations and shall calculate aggregate sign area as for uses in the same district as
the use. Such buildings or portions of a building(s) shall not be counted toward the
urban regional shopping center aggregate sign area.
(b) A building in which an urban regional shopping center is located is eligible to use
the regulations for additional sign area for specified uses as provided in §13.7.1.E,
subject to the limitation on total number of signs per building and subject to the
following:
(1) The placement standards in §13.7.1.G shall apply. Provided, however, for
urban regional shopping center façade type A, the placement standards
shall apply above a height of 55 feet rather than 40 feet.
(2) The hours of illumination for any sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall
be as set forth in §13.12.3.
General
A. Signs allowed
The sign types listed and described in this §13.8 are allowed for urban regional shopping
centers, subject to the permit requirements, standards and conditions set forth for each
sign type.
B. Lighting
1. Signs allowed under §13.8 shall not be separately lighted unless the standard in the
table says “yes” or “see standards” next to the “separately lighted?” query. The fact
that a sign may be partly or wholly illuminated by a porch light or other light serving
another purpose shall not be considered “separately lighted.”

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.8 SIGNS FOR URBAN REG IONAL SHOPPING CENTERS
§13.8.3 GENERAL
2. Except for projected image signs, signs exceeding 500 square feet that are located
below 40 feet on façade type B or below 55 feet on façade type A shall not be
separately lighted.
C. Changeable copy
this Article 13.
1. The maximum aggregate sign area allowed for an urban regional shopping center is
the combination of:
(a) Ten percent of the sum of areas of each urban regional shopping center façade
defined as facade type A; and
(b) For portions of the urban regional shopping center not defined as façade type A,
the larger of:
(1) One square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage; or
(2) For a building with one or more establishments with at least one exterior
public entrance and less than 60 feet of frontage, 60 sq. ft. for each such
establishment plus one square foot per linear foot of building frontage,
excluding any frontage occupied by those establishments.
E. Placement standards
1. Signs may be placed up to a maximum height of 55 feet on façade type A.
2. Signs may be placed up to a maximum height of 40 feet on façade type B.
3. No signs shall be permitted on that part of the side or rear wall of a building within
100 feet of any R or RA district except, where a tenant’s primary entrance is located
on a side or rear wall of a building, the tenant’s sign that otherwise would be allowed
on the front wall of the building may be erected on the wall where the primary
entrance is located.
4. No sign shall extend above the height of the roofline of the building, measured from
the actual roofline in the case of a flat roof or from the eaves line in the case of a hip
or gable roof; except, on a building that is 24 feet or less in height, up to 20 percent of
the sign area may extend up to 1.5 feet above the roofline.

§13.8.4 ARCADE SIGNS
SIGNS ALLOWED FOR URBAN REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTERS
Arcade signs
A. Defined
A sign that is suspended underneath an awning, canopy, marquee, overhang, or other structural
element of a building that forms a covered passageway for pedestrians.
Maximum size and number As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as
allocated under an approved comprehensive sign plan
Minimum clearance above sidewalk 8 ft.
C. Other standards
Allowed only where multiple establishments share a common canopy ceiling over a sidewalk.
A. Defined
Awning signs: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning.
C. Other standards

Banners
A. Defined
A sign applied to cloth or fabric or other flexible, durable material. Flags as defined herein shall not
be considered banners.
Maximum number 2 per pole, as approved on comprehensive sign plan
Maximum size 6 sq. ft. on each side; may be 2-sided
Minimum clearance above sidewalk 8’6”
Permit required? Yes, single permit may cover multiple banners
C. Other standards
1. Banners in this subsection §13.8.6 are allowed only for property included in an approved
comprehensive sign plan and only in accordance with the provisions of the approved plan;
2. Banners in this subsection §13.8.6 are allowed only on light poles. Such poles shall be:
(a) Approved on or consistent with a County-approved site engineering plan for the project;
(b) Installed primarily for other purposes, such as site lighting;
(c) Located in a parking lot, along a private street or on private property along a public or
private plaza or courtyard;
(d) Two banners shall be allowed on a pole only if the two banners are of the same size and
are mounted at the same height; and
(e) Banners on poles must be attached at all corners such that they do not move or flap.
D. Other permits or approvals
Banners on poles under this subsection §13.8.6 will be allowed only with the express consent of the
owner(s) of the underlying real property and the pole(s).

Blade signs
A. Defined
structure.
Maximum size As limited by the maximum aggregate sign area as
Maximum height to top of sign 55 feet for façade type A and 40 feet for façade type B,
except a maximum of two wall or blade signs per
building may be placed above these heights, subject to
the standards in §13.8.2.A.2(b).
C. Other standards
1. A blade sign may be applied to fabric or other flexible, durable material provided the sign is
firmly affixed to prevent movement.
2. A blade sign may require a separate encroachment agreement or permit from the County,
subject to established standards.
Flags
A. Defined
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
Flagpoles shall be located as shown on an approved site plan.

Freestanding signs
A. Defined
Minimum height 4 ft.
Maximum dimensional envelope (see §13.19.1.G.2) 2 ft. long x 2 ft. wide by 7 ft. high, except that 1 sign per
street frontage, up to a maximum of 2 signs total, may be 3
ft. long by 3 ft. wide by 14 ft. high
Number allowed 1 per street frontage; 1 per public vehicular entrance; and
1 per public pedestrian entrance at the grade of the
adjacent sidewalk, excluding entrances to individual tenant
spaces
Minimum setback 5 ft. from other property lines
200 feet from property zoned R or RA
C. Other standards
1. No more than two freestanding signs per regional shopping center shall have commercial
messages that are legible from a distance of more than six feet.
2. Freestanding signs shall be allowed only where shown on an approved landscape plan for the
development project.

Incidental signs
A. Defined
A small, noncommerical sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
1. One incidental sign per 1st or 2nd floor occupant may contain a commercial message.
than 25 feet apart.
all other standards in subsection §13.8.10.B, above, and all standards
prescribed in the diagram to the left may be installed on public parking
facilities. Compliance with these standards shall be determined by the
zoning administrator, based on factors that include but are not limited to:
location; color; size; shape and lettering, as shown in the diagram at left.

Projected image sign

A. Defined
A temporary sign that is produced from rays of light onto a wall or other surface.
Maximum size Limited to the size of the wall or other surface on which it
is projected
Maximum number Unlimited
Maximum height 55 feet
C. Other standards
1. Temporary signs allowed by this §13.8.11 shall be limited to a cumulative maximum of 120 days
of any consecutive 365 day period for all projected image signs for the entire urban regional
shopping center. On the remaining 245 days of the 365 day period, there shall be no projected
image signs located anywhere on the urban regional shopping center.
2. Projected image signs shall not move or change, except as follows:
(a) The sign is located more than 25 feet from any street right-of-way line and is located on a
wall or other surface that fronts a plaza or park; or
(b) The sign is not directly facing a street; or
(c) The sign is located on the ground or other floor surface; or
(d) The sign is located on a wall or other surface that fronts a street right-of-way that is closed
to vehicular traffic while the sign is moving.
3. Any sign or element utilized for projecting the sign found by the zoning administrator to be
unsafe or to present a hazard or to impair a required clear walkway, shall be removed
immediately.
4. The projected image sign shall not extend beyond the façade or other surface that is part of the
urban regional shopping center.
Sidewalk signs
A. Defined
A temporary, self-supporting sign made of durable material and located on the sidewalk in front of a
use for which such a sign is allowed.
Maximum size 7 sq. ft. per side (may be two-sided)
Maximum height 3.5 ft.
Number allowed One per public entrance directly from sidewalk into
establishment
Permit required? No
Changeable copy? No

C. Other standards
1. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only for establishments (but not for home
occupations);
2. No more than one temporary sidewalk sign is permitted for each public entrance to an
establishment. For purposes of this §13.8.12, a parking garage is an establishment and a public
entrance includes a vehicular entrance;
3. If an establishment has more than one public entrance and two of the public entrances face the
same street and are located within 200 feet or less of each other, then a sign shall be allowed
for only one of the public entrances;
4. Such signs may be placed on the sidewalk only during hours the establishment is open;
5. Temporary sidewalk signs shall be permitted only on sidewalks where there is an existing
minimum six-foot clear walkway (an unobstructed area serving as circulation space for
pedestrians). In order to provide adequate clearance for pedestrians and persons with visual
and mobility disabilities, such signs shall not be placed within any required clear walkway for the
site, and shall be located either entirely within two feet of the building face, or within the
landscape and utility zone such that there is at least one foot between the sign and the edge of
the curb (on sidewalks where there is no landscaping, sidewalk signs may be placed within four
feet of the edge of the curb if such placement maintains the clear walkway required in this
subparagraph and maintains at least one foot between the sign and the edge of the curb);
6. Temporary sidewalk signs shall not be placed in tree pits that are not covered with hard grates;
7. Such signs shall be self-supporting, either with legs or supports that are continuous with the
plane of the sign face; or with a solid base no wider than the sign width, protruding no more
than 12 inches from the plane of the sign face, and separated by no more than six inches from
the bottom of the sign face; and
8. Any sign found by the zoning administrator to be unsafe or to present a hazard or to impair a
required clear walkway, shall be removed immediately.
Temporary signs
For temporary signs allowed in these districts, see projected image signs (§13.8.11), window signs
(§13.8.16) and temporary signs for construction and sale/leasing (§13.16).
Umbrella signs
A. Defined
Permit required? No

Wall signs
A. Defined
Maximum height to top of sign 55 feet for façade type A and 40 feet for façade type B,
except a maximum of two wall or blade signs per building
may be placed above these heights, subject to the
standards in §13.8.2.A.2(b).
C. Other standards
Up to 50 sq. ft. of wall signs placed inside of a public parking garage, two feet or more from and
mounted approximately perpendicular to the façade on which the vehicular entrance to the garage is
located shall not be counted as part of aggregate sign area.
Window signs
A. Defined
Maximum total area per sign Ground story: 80 sq. ft. or 20 percent of window area, whichever is
less
2nd or 3rd story: 50 percent of window area (see C.2 below)
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
1. Window signs shall be allowed for establishments located on the first, second or third story of an
urban regional shopping center up to a maximum height of 55 feet.
2. Maximum total area per window sign may be aggregated per story on the second and third
story.

§13.9 SIGNS FOR PUBLIC, CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.9.1 GENERAL
§13.9. SIGNS FOR PUBLIC, CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS

General
Any public, civic and institutional building in any district may have the following signs:
A. Choice of standards
A public, civic or institutional building may choose to have its signs regulated either under
the sign regulations applicable to other uses in the same district as the public, civic and
institutional building, or under the sign regulations in this §13.9. A public, civic or
institutional building that intends to exercise either option must declare its intent on its
comprehensive sign plan (if any) or by separate letter submitted on its first application for
a sign permit. No public, civic and institutional building may “mix and match” signs
allowed for public, civic and institutional buildings and signs allowed for other uses in the
same district.
B. Miscellaneous signs
Regardless of which election a public, civic and institutional building makes pursuant to
§13.9.1.A, the public, civic and institutional building is allowed the following additional
signs subject to all standards allowed for such signs in the same district:
1. Flags; and
2. Incidental signs.
SIGNS FOR PUBLIC, CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
Banners
A. Defined
Maximum number 1 per main building; or in the case of public parks
without a main building, 1 per main entrance
C. Other standards
1. Banners shall be firmly affixed at all four corners to prevent movement.
2. Banners allowed under this §13.9.2 shall be temporary and shall be permitted up to fourteen
days before and two days after an event, or a maximum of sixteen days.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.9 SIGNS FOR PUBLIC, CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
§13.9.1 GENERAL
Freestanding signs
A. Defined
A sign that is affixed to the ground, or to a wall or to a fence (to the extent allowed by this Article 13)
and not to a building; freestanding signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on
monument-style foundations, on poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures.
Maximum total sign area 30 sq. ft., except as provided in C.4 below
Number allowed 2 per main building
Minimum setback 5 feet from back of sidewalk
Automatic changeable copy? Yes
C. Other standards
1. Freestanding signs shall not be located any closer than ten feet from the edge of the street or
thoroughfare to which said sign is directed, nor within the visual clearance area defined by
§3.2.6.A.4.
2. Freestanding signs shall be allowed only for public, civic and institutional uses in stand-alone
buildings, not for public, civic and institutional uses in mixed-use buildings.
3. Freestanding signs for any public, civic and institutional use may alternatively be installed as wall,
canopy or awning signs with the same total sign area and dimensions.
4. Additional signs for schools:
(a) Additional signs not legible from any public street right-of-way are permitted without permits
for schools. All such signs shall contain only noncommercial messages.
(b) In schools, one sign with no commercial messages, for each athletic field, up to a maximum
of 150 sq. ft. Notwithstanding the provisions of §13.13, such signs shall be allowed
automatic changeable copy elements of up to 25 percent of the sign. A sign as permitted by
this subsection (b) shall not be considered a large media screen.

§13.10 SIGNS IN PUBLIC DISTRICTS AND ON PUBLIC PROPERTY IN ANY DISTRICT ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.10.1 GENERAL
Temporary Signs
A. Defined
Any sign that may easily be moved or removed and that can feasibly be displayed for a limited period
of time in any one location.
Number allowed No limit
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
1. Temporary signs allowed by this section shall be removed within 45 days of installation or within
seven days of the end of any event to which they refer, whichever may first occur.
2. Temporary signs allowed by this section shall be firmly affixed to the ground or to a structure to
prevent movement.
Wall Signs
A. Defined
parapet wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the
face of the wall. A wall sign may be either of one-piece construction or of individual connected or
related letters or symbols.
Number allowed 1 per public entrance per building
Permit required? No
§13.10. Signs in Public Districts and on Public Property in any

District
General
The signs in this §13.10 are allowed in S-3A, S-D and P-S districts and on Arlington County Board
or Arlington County School Board property in any district or on parks or other public property
controlled by Arlington County , subject to the permit requirements, standards and conditions
set forth for each sign type. This §13.10 is not applicable to signs in the public right-of-way.
A. Public property
For properties owned by the Arlington County Board or the Arlington County School
Board, the signs allowed by this §13.10 shall be placed only by or with the specific
permission of the County Board or Arlington County School Board.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.10 SIGNS IN PUBLIC DISTRICTS AND ON PUBLIC PROPERTY IN ANY DISTRICT
§13.10.1 GENERAL
B. Lighting
table says “yes” or “see standards” next to the “separately lighted?” query. The fact that
a sign may be partly or wholly illuminated by light serving another purpose shall not be
considered “separately lighted.”
C. Changeable copy
this Article 13.
The maximum aggregate sign area allowed for a property, single building or combination
of buildings, is one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage. Aggregate
sign area may be allocated as defined in §18.2
E. Additional sign area for specified uses
Any building in a P-S district that is more than 70 feet in height may install up to two
additional signs above a height of 40 feet, meeting the following standards.
1. Illumination standards shall be as set forth in §13.12.
2. Maximum area of each additional sign shall be limited as follows:
Height of building Maximum sign area (sq. ft. )
70 ft. – 100 ft. 0.6 x bldg. width at height of sign
101 ft. – 200 ft. 1.0 x bldg. width at height of sign
>201 ft. 1.5 x bldg. width at height of sign
3. In order to protect the viewshed for properties in residential districts that face
commercial areas of the County, the following provisions are set forth in order to limit
visibility of signs placed above a height of 40 feet:
(a) Horizontally oriented signs shall fit within a sign band that is no more than six feet
in height, provided, however, that up to 20 percent of the sign may be no more
than nine feet in height. The designated sign band shall be placed within the 20
feet of the building façade below the main roofline or other roofline of the building
below the main roofline for a building where there are multiple rooflines;
(b) Vertically oriented signs shall be placed such that the top of the sign is above a
height of 40 feet.
(c) No sign placed above a height of 40 feet shall have any automatic changeable copy
element.
(d) All signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be illuminated only by internal
lighting and hours of illumination shall be as set forth in §13.12.3.
(e) Signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be placed on building facades
perpendicular to or facing away from the line identified as Line A on Map 13-1, but
shall not be placed on facades facing Line A (a façade shall be considered to be
facing Line A if it is less than 90 degrees from parallel). Provided, however, that

§13.10.1 GENERAL
lighted signs may be placed on building facades abutting streets parallel to Line A if
the building façade is not within 200 feet of an R or RA district, and the applicant
demonstrates that view of the sign is substantially blocked from the
aforementioned districts by a building or other structure of equal or greater height
to the height of the sign. Placement of signs above a height of 40 feet may be
allowed by the Zoning Administrator as set forth in this paragraph, or may be
modified by the County Board, only as set forth in §13.3.1.A.2(d).

§13.10.1 GENERAL
SIGNS ALLOWED IN PUBLIC DISTRICTS OR ON PUBLICLY-OWNED PROPERTY IN ANY DISTRICT

A. Defined
Awning sign: A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning; or
Maximum number 1 per awning or canopy; for awnings or canopies longer
than 8 linear feet, 1 per 8 ft. of linear awning or canopy
Maximum size 60 sq. ft. without a comprehensive sign plan; no limit
other than aggregate sign area with a comprehensive
sign plan
C. Other standards
Banners, temporary
A. Defined
Maximum number 1 per main building; or where there is no main building,
1 per main entrance
C. Other standards
1. Banners shall be firmly affixed at all four corners to prevent movement.
2. Banners allowed under this subsection §13.10.3 shall be temporary and shall be permitted up to
fourteen days before and two days after an event, or a maximum of sixteen days.
3. Banners allowed under this subsection §13.10.3 may be affixed to a fence.
Banners, permanent
See §13.10.3.A for permanent banners allowed.

§13.10.1 GENERAL
Blade signs
A. Defined
structure.
Automatic changeable copy? Yes, subject to standards of §13.13.
Maximum height to top of sign 40 feet, except a maximum of two wall or blade signs
per building may be placed above a height of 40 feet,
subject to the standards in §13.7.1.G.
C. Other standards
1. A blade sign may require a separate encroachment agreement or permit from the County, subject
to established standards.
2. A blade sign may be applied to fabric or other flexible, durable material provided the sign is firmly
affixed to prevent movement.
Flags
A. Defined
Permit required? No

§13.10.1 GENERAL
C. Other standards
Flagpoles shall be located as shown on an approved site plan; if there is no approved site plan for the
property and no site plan is required, flagpoles shall be located within 30 feet of the principal entrance
to the main building.
Freestanding signs
A. Defined
Maximum size 60 sq. ft. per side; may be 2-sided
Number allowed 1 for each entrance, except as provided below
Minimum setback 10 ft. from back of sidewalk
5 ft. from other property lines
C. Other standards
Signs allowed by this subsection §13.10.7 may alternatively be installed as wall, canopy or awning
signs with the same total sign area and dimensions.
D. Additional freestanding signs allowed in addition to signs in B above
1. Signs not legible from any public right-of-way outside of the property and bearing no commercial
message;
2. Signs not legible from any public right-of-way outside of the property, may be erected by
concessionaires and by sponsors of events for which a permit has been issued by the County
and which are inside stadiums or arenas or at or abutting ball fields or other such facilities.
Signs within an outdoor facility, if such facility is located 200 feet or more from the nearest right-
of-way, shall be deemed not to be legible from such right-of-way even if they may be visible from
some locations outside the facility;
3. Signs for each athletic field in schools and parks, with no commercial messages, except as
permitted by specific agreement with the County. Notwithstanding the provisions of §13.13,
these signs shall be allowed automatic changeable copy elements of up to 25 percent of the
sign. A sign as permitted by this subsection 3 shall not be considered a large media screen.
4. See §13.15.3.B for additional freestanding signs.

§13.10.1 GENERAL
Incidental signs
A. Defined
A small, noncommercial sign. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs that provide information
or directions such as warnings, parking rules or way-finding information.
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
than 25 feet apart.
all other standards in §13.10.8.B, above, and all standards prescribed in the diagram to the right
may be installed on public parking facilities. Compliance with these standards shall be
determined by the zoning administrator, based on factors that include but are not limited to:
location; color; size; shape and lettering, as shown in the diagram to the right.
Temporary signs
A. Defined
Any sign that may easily be moved or removed and that can feasibly be displayed for a limited
period of time in any one location.
Number allowed No limit
Permit required? No
C. Other standards
1. Temporary signs allowed by this section shall be removed within 45 days of installation or within
seven days of the end of any event to which they refer, whichever may first occur
2. Temporary signs allowed by this section shall be firmly affixed to the ground or to a structure to
prevent movement.

§13.10.1 GENERAL
Umbrella signs
A. Defined
Permit required? No
Wall signs
A. Defined
Maximum height to top of sign 40 feet, except as provided below
C. Other standards
1. Up to 50 sq. ft. of wall signs placed inside of a public parking garage, two feet or more from and
mounted approximately perpendicular to the façade on which the vehicular entrance to the
garage is located shall not be counted as part of aggregate sign area.
2. Up to a maximum of two signs in P-S districts may be placed above a height of 40 feet subject to
the placement standards set forth in §13.10.1.E.3 and the illumination standards set forth in
§13.12.2.
3. See §13.15.3.B for additional wall sign provisions.

§13.10.1 GENERAL
Window signs
A. Defined
plazas, public streets, and parking lots, and that is placed on the outside or inside face of a window or
mounted within two feet of the inside face of the window.
Maximum total area per sign 80 sq. ft. or 20 percent of window area, whichever is less; except in
windows of individual residential dwelling units (see §13.10.12.C.2
below)
Permit required? No
Commercial messages? Yes; except in windows of individual residential dwelling units (see
§13.10.12.C.2 below)
C. Other standards
1. Window signs shall be permitted on the first or second floor.
2. An unlimited number of temporary window signs with noncommercial messages only, up to 6.5
sq. ft. per sign, are permitted in the windows only of individual residential dwelling units.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.11 SIGNS BY PRIVATE PAR TIES IN THE PUBLIC R IGHT-OF-WAY
§13.11.1 SIGNS PLACED BY PUBLIC AUTHORITY IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
§13.11. Signs by Private Parties in the Public Right-Of-Way

Signs placed by public authority in the public right-of-way
The following signs shall be allowed in the public right-of-way in Arlington County. Signs specified in
this §13.11 shall be placed only by public authority or with specific permission of public authority.
Only the signs specified in this Article 13 are allowed in the public right-of-way and no other private
signs are allowed there, except as specified in §13.11.2.
A. Signs installed by employees or officials of Arlington County, or a state or federal agency in
the course of their governmental duties and bearing no commercial message;
B. Signs installed by public utilities in their rights-of-way or on their facilities and bearing no
commercial message other than a message that is necessary to identify the use;
C. Signs installed by a transit company with a franchise or
other right to operate in Arlington County, where such signs
are installed along its routes;
D. Signs attached to privately owned appurtenances or fixtures
in the public right-of-way where such appurtenances or
fixtures and the signs for them are allowed by the terms of a
permit, encroachment or agreement issued or approved by
the County;
E. Temporary signs or banners approved by the County as part
of and incident to a special event permit and placed across
the right-of-way in locations established by the County,
1. Any message shall be allowed on such signs,
notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this
Article 13;
2. Such signs shall be allowed up to 14 business days prior to the special event and shall
be removed within five business days after the end of such event.
F. Sidewalk signs subject to the standards and conditions in §13.7.10.
G. In neighborhoods established as a distinctive area by custom
and usage recognized throughout the county, one sign shall
be allowed at each of up to four entrances thereto, subject
to the following:
1. No such sign shall exceed an overall height of eight feet
nor have an area exceeding 20 square feet;
2. The overall area of the sign structure shall not exceed
100 square feet;
3. The signs shall be made from durable materials and be of a design that harmonizes
with the surrounding structures and natural features and give notice without creating
harm to traffic safety by either its placement, bulk, or visual characteristics.

§13.11 SIGNS BY PRIVATE PAR TIES IN THE PUBLIC R IGHT-OF-WAY ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.11.2 TEMPORARY SIGNS PLACED BY PRIVATE-PARTIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
4. Such signs shall be installed by the County; and where such signs are to be placed on
private property, it is the responsibility of the association or persons requesting such
signs to provide to the County authorization in a form acceptable to the County.
5. Subject to approval by the county manager or his or her designee, not-for-profit civic
associations may attach to a sign permitted under this §13.11.1.G, one temporary sign
of up to 6 inches in height and 30 inches in width, with noncommercial messages only.
The county manager may approve such temporary signs on a first-come, first-served
basis for a period of up to five days before and two days after an event sponsored by
the civic association for the neighborhood identified by the sign. The temporary sign
shall be of durable materials and shall be attached to the top of the sign or hung from
the bottom of the sign.
H. Sign systems allowed
The County Board may authorize the county manager to place,
and upon such authorization, the county manager may place or
cause to be placed, noncommercial signs or noncommercial sign
systems in the public right-of-way in areas where sector, area or
revitalization plans have been adopted by the County Board; or
on Arlington School Board or joint Arlington County Board-
Arlington School Board properties and/or streets abutting such
properties. Such signs or sign systems shall be authorized only
after findings by the County Board that the proposed signs would
not adversely affect traffic safety to a significant degree and that
the proposed signs would not result in clutter that would
adversely affect the appearance or character of the surrounding
neighborhood. The County Board ordinance will determine specific size, locations and
physical characteristics of the signs for a designated area; standards relating to
maintenance, removal and replacement; and the length of time for which the signs may
be displayed.
Temporary signs placed by private-parties in the public right-of-way

Temporary signs installed in the public right-of-way by private parties shall be allowed only as
follows. To the extent that the Virginia Department of Transportation controls placement of
signs or other objects in a right-of-way, the applicable regulations of that agency shall
supersede this Article 13.
A. Lighting and structure
Such signs shall be temporary freestanding signs, shall not be lighted and shall be affixed
to the ground such that they will not easily be removed by wind or other natural forces.
B. Location
1. Such signs may be placed only on that portion of the public right-of-way abutting a
street, road, highway or sidewalk but not on landscaped beautification areas, traffic
circles or control devices or signs, or any paved portion of a pedestrian refuge area,
nor shall such signs be placed on or abutting any other public lands such as school
sites, recreation fields, parks, and parkways.
2. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to authorize the posting of signs upon
utility poles, or in any place or manner prohibited by the provisions of this Article 13.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.11 SIGNS BY PRIVATE PAR TIES IN THE PUBLIC R IGHT-OF-WAY
§13.11.2 TEMPORARY SIGNS PLACED BY PRIVATE-PARTIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
C. Identification
Each such sign shall bear clear identification and contact phone number of the
establishment, person or other entity placing the sign or causing it to be placed; any sign
that lacks such identification shall be considered a violation of this provision, regardless of
whether it conforms with the other requirements of this provision. The person or other
entity named on the sign shall be responsible for placement of such sign in accordance
with this Article 13.
D. Commercial temporary signs
Where there is a commercial activity lawfully conducted within an R or RA district, the
following signs are allowed, provided such signs shall be allowed only if no signs are
placed pursuant to subsection §13.11.2.E, below.
Maximum number To limit clutter, no more than one sign may be placed for any commercial
activity, candidate, political issue or ticket or other entity at any street
intersection
Timing From sundown on Friday to sundown on Sundays and from sundown the night
before a legal holiday to sundown on that holiday
Location Within ½ mile of the activity, in the landscape and utility strip or median at an
intersection
E. Noncommercial temporary signs

Noncommercial temporary signs may be displayed as set forth in either subsection 1 or 2,
below, but not both. All such signs shall include the date of placement and the name and
phone number of the person or group responsible for posting the sign.
1. Thirty-one day signs
Such signs shall be allowed provided no signs are placed for said issue or entity
pursuant to subsection §13.11.2.D, above, or §13.11.2.E.2, below.
Maximum number To limit clutter, no more than 2 signs shall be placed for any candidate,
political issue or ticket or other entity in any median strip.
Timing Such signs may be placed up to 31 consecutive days before an election or
party nominating caucus called by the following, and shall be removed within
five days following said election or party nominating caucus:
(a) A duly constituted governmental body, including all primaries; or
(b) A political party registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which
signs shall be removed within five days after the election or
nominating caucus to which they pertain
Location In the median, subject to the limitations in §13.11.2.A
2. Seven-day signs
Such signs shall be allowed provided no signs are placed for said issue or entity
pursuant to §13.11.2.D or subsection §13.11.2.E.1, above.

§13.12 SIGN ILLUMINATION ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.11.3 OTHER SIGNS
Maximum number To limit clutter, no more than one sign shall be placed at any street intersection
for any event, person, group, candidate, political issue or ticket or other entity
in any landscape and utility or median strip.
Timing For up to a maximum of 7 days per sign
Location In the landscape and utility strip or median at an intersection, subject to the
limitations in §13.11.2.B.1
Other signs
If any sign other than those allowed by this Article 13 and/or by an encroachment ordinance or
permit granted by Arlington County is placed in, on or over the public right-of-way, it shall be
deemed abandoned and may be removed and disposed of by the County without notice or
other process. Removal of the sign by the County will not eliminate the violation that occurred
from the placement of the sign; the County may separately pursue available penalties and
remedies for such violation.
§13.12. Sign Illumination

General
Unless otherwise expressly prohibited, signs may be lighted from within the letter or message
area or by a light projected on the sign that is shielded in such a manner so as to light only the
face of the sign, or in the case of a flag, or the area in which a flag waves or drapes in the case
of a flag. Except on automatic changeable copy signs allowed in accordance with this §13.12,
light sources for signs shall not be visible from street level.
Maximum allowable luminance

A. All signs except visible light source types (neon and automatic changeable
copy)
Maximum luminance for any type of sign, except visible light source types (neon and
automatic changeable copy signs), shall not exceed the limits set forth below. The entire
sign and any part thereof must comply with the maximum limit.
Maximum Allowable
Zoning District and Locations Luminance (cd/m2)
R, RA and S-3A districts 50
Signs placed above a height of 40 feet that are directly facing and within 100 feet of a
150
residential building in any district
C-1-R, C-1, C-1-O, C-O-1.0 and C-2 districts
Signs placed above a height of 40 feet and directly facing Line B on Map 34.1, defining
the monumental core, George Washington Parkway or Arlington Cemetery
Signs placed above a height of 40 feet that are directly facing and within more than 100 200
feet but less than 200 feet of a multifamily residential building in any district
Signs placed below a height of 40 feet in any district and placed within 200 feet and
directly facing an R or RA district
All other districts and locations 350
B. Neon signs
Maximum luminance of a neon sign shall not exceed the limits set forth below.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.12 SIGN ILLUMINATION
§13.12.3 HOURS OF ILLUMINATION
Maximum Allowable
Zoning District Luminance (cd/m2)
R, RA and S-3A districts Not permitted
C-1-R, C-1, C-1-O, C-O-1.0 and C-2 districts 1000
All other districts 2000
C. Automatic changeable copy signs

Maximum luminance of automatic changeable copy signs shall not exceed the limits set
forth below.
Maximum Allowable Luminance (cd/m2)
Zoning District During Daylight Hours During Nighttime Hours
R, RA and S-3A districts 50
C-1-R, C-1, C-1-O, C-O-1.0 and C-2 districts 2000 200
All other zoning districts 350
D. Large Media Screens

Maximum luminance of large media screens shall not exceed the limits set forth below:
Maximum Allowable Luminance (cd/m2)
Location During Daylight Hours During Nighttime Hours
Where allowed by §13.13.4 5000 500
Hours of illumination
A. No sign placed at a height of more than 40 feet shall be lighted between midnight and 8
am;
B. Signs placed at a height of more than 40 feet that are directly facing and within 200 feet of
a multifamily residential building in any district shall not be lighted between 10 pm and 8
am and under no circumstances shall hours of illumination for these signs be modified by
the County Board; and
C. No sign placed at a height of more than 40 feet and directly facing Line B on map 34-1
shall be lighted between 10 pm and 8 am. Under no circumstances shall hours of
illumination for these signs be modified by the County Board.
Indirect lighted signs

Indirect lighting for signs shall be fully shielded to direct all light toward the sign surface,
shielding it from the sky and from surrounding uses or buildings.
Level control
Lighting for a sign that is installed or modified after July 24, 2012 shall include an easily
accessible dimming controller to allow immediate corrections where violations of the levels
established by this §13.12 are exceeded.
Near residential districts and uses

No sign located within 200 feet and directly facing an R or RA district shall contain any
automatic changeable copy elements.

§13.13 FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIG NS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.13.1 GENERAL RULE
§13.13. Flashing, Moving and Changeable Copy Signs

General rule
Signs that move, flash or simulate movement are prohibited except automatic changeable copy
signs as allowed under this §13.13 and large media screens that meet the standards in §13.13.4
below.
Size and time limits

The following limitations shall apply to the aggregate area of the automatic changeable copy
portion of the sign; the overall area of the sign is regulated by other provisions of this Article
13. The message or image on the sign shall change no more than one time per minute, except
where changes in a sign occur automatically to reflect changes in temperature, availability of
parking spaces, or arrival of transit vehicles:
A. An automatic changeable copy sign on which the message changes or is designed to
change more than once every 24 hours may not exceed 4 sq. ft. in size;
B. An automatic changeable copy sign on which a sign on which the message changes or is
designed to change no more than once every 24 hours (as averaged over a 10-day period)
shall not exceed 12 sq. ft. in size.
Rules for changeable copy signs

Automatic changeable copy signs shall be allowed only for sign types and in districts where
automatic changeable copy sign allowed by general standards. Automatic changeable copy
signs shall be subject to the following additional restrictions:
A. There shall be no effects of movement, flashing, or similar effects in the individual images.
B. Changes of image shall be substantially instantaneous as seen by the human eye and shall
not use fading, rolling, window shading, dissolving or similar effects as part of the change;
provided, however, that signs reflecting the arrival of transit vehicles that have letters no
more than 2 inches tall may scroll.
C. Light emitting diodes and similar lighting are permitted for automatic changeable copy
signs.
D. In automatic changeable copy signs shall use automatic level controls to reduce light levels
at night and under cloudy or other darkened conditions, in accordance with the following
standards.
1. All automatic changeable copy signs shall have ambient light monitors that allow
automatic adjustment of the brightness level of the sign based on ambient light
conditions.
2. Maximum luminance for automatic changeable copy signs shall not exceed the limits
in §13.12.2.C.
Large media screens

A. Purpose
The purpose of §13.13.4 is to promote public health, safety, and welfare by providing
opportunities to disseminate emergency broadcast information and public service
messages, to promote economic development, and to create a convenient, attractive, and

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.13 FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIG NS
§13.13.4 LARGE MEDIA SCREENS
harmonious community in accordance with the vision for the public spaces identified in
master plans in the County and with the vision in adopted sector or small area plans for
the subject area.
B. Action by County Board
The County Board may approve large media acreens that do not otherwise meet the
standards for automatic changeable copy signs specified in §13.13.2 and §13.13.3 in the
following instances:
1. On buildings governed by site plan as specified in §15.5; or,
2. In P-S districts, on buildings governed by use permit as specified in §15.4.
C. Approval criteria
Large media screens that do not otherwise meet the standards for automatic changeable
copy signs specified in §13.13.2 and §13.13.3, may be approved when the County Board
finds, consistent with the purposes outlined in §13.13.4.A and the standards specified in
§13.13.4.D, that the large media screen is in accordance with the following criteria:
1. The large media screen is oriented for viewing by pedestrians;
2. The large media screen is placed in a location consistent with the vision in County
master plans and adopted design guidelines for the area to which it is oriented, where
pedestrian activity is encouraged, and that the presence of the large media screen in
that location will continue positively to the pedestrian experience and further
realization of that vision;
3. The large media screen does not unreasonably interfere with or create a distriction
that poses a hazard to drivers’ operation of a motor vehicle on streets abutting or
fronting the building on and/or plaza in which the sign is placed; and
4. The large media screen does not unreasonably impact the monumental core of the
District of Columbia or other sites of historic or national interest.
D. Use standards
Large media screens shall comply with the following requirements:
1. Location and siting
(a) Large media screens shall be allowed only:
(1) In P-S districts; or
(2) In commercial/mixed-use (C) districts within one-quarter mile of a metro
station, major bus transfer station, or street car station.
(b) Large media screens shall be wall signs, and may be placed only on commercial or
public buildings.
(c) Proximity to residential districts and uses
(1) The video screen of a large media screen shall not be placed within 200 feet
of the common lot line of an R or RA district, and shall be designed to not be
visible from an R or RA district;
(2) A large media screen shall not be located within 600 feet of any residential
dwelling unless the applicant demonstrates that the video screen will not

§13.13 FLASHING, MOVING AND CHANGEABLE COPY SIG NS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.13.4 LARGE MEDIA SCREENS
have substantial visual impact on any dwelling unit within 600 feet of the
large media screen.
(d) Large media screens in parks and plazas:
(1) A large media screen designed to be viewed from a park or plaza shall be
allowed only on elevations of buildings that immediately abut the park or
plaza, or that are not separated from the park or plaza by streets identified
as other principal or minor arterial streets on the Master Transportation
Plan.
(2) A large media screen in a park or plaza shall face inward into the park or
plaza such that it is designed to be viewed by persons using the park or
plaza as opposed to persons outside of the park or plaza.
(e) A large media screen shall function as an element separate from the building, such
that the architectural design of the building is not derived primarily from the large
media screen nor does it depend on the presence of the large media screen for
architectural merit; and the media screen shall not substitute for fenestration on
the building.
(f) No large media screen shall be designed to be viewed from within a restaurant or
outdoor café or placed in the windows of a restaurant.
2. Sign area
No large media screen shall be larger that 750 square feet.
3. Sign height
(a) Large media screens shall have a maximum sign height of 40 feet.
(b) Notwithstanding the maximum sign heights specified above and specified in
§13.7.1.G.5, large media screens at urban regional shopping centers that have
chosen to have their signs regulated under the regulations set forth in §13.8 may
have a maximum sign height in accordance with the placement standards specified
in §13.8.3.E.
4. Messages
Commercial messages shall not be permitted on any large media screen.
5. Lighting and sound
(a) The sign shall meet all standrds for lighted signs as set forth in §13.12 and shall
incorporate automatic level controls to reduce light levels at night and under
cloudy or other darkened conditions by inclusion of an ambient light monitor that
allows automatic adjustment of the brightness level of the sign based on ambient
light conditions;
(b) Sounds shall be permitted only when associated with a scheduled Special Event
open to the public, as permitted in §13.13.4.F below, such as, but not limited to
movies, art displays, or other live programming such as concerns and special events
of national and/or community interest. Volume level of the large media screen
during such events shall be in accordance with the noise ordinance.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.14 SIGN PERMITS
§13.13.5 MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE
E. Large media screens shall not be subject to aggregate sign area limitations in the zoning
ordinance, and may be approved by the County Board independently of a Comprehensive
Sign Plan.
F. Large media screens located in parks or plazas that are publicaly-owned or have a public
access easement and are a minimum of 12,000 square feet in size, may be used for special
events associated with a Special Event permit issued by the County, and for special events
sponsored by the County.
G. The zoning administrator may approve a large media screen located in a park that is
publicly-owned or has a public access easement, where such sign meets all standards in
§13.13.4.D, provided the sign is located such that the face of the sign is not visible from
any street or residence on the perimeter of the park.
H. Operation of any approved large media screen shall be commenced within one year from
the date of County Board approval, or the approval becomes null and void.
I. All wall-mounted large media screens approved and installed in the approved location as
of December 17, 2013, shall be deemed to have been approved under §13.13.4 but shall
be required to operate in compliance with all conditions that govern size, location, sound,
and operation of the large media screen under which they were initially approved, and
with all provisions for lighting in §13.13.4.D.5(a) above. Such signs may be replaced
consistent with this §13.13.4.I and any amendments to the original approval that were
approved prior to December 17, 2013.
J. Signs at athletic fields as permitted in §13.9.3.C.4(b) or §13.10.7.D.3 shall not be
considered a large media screen.
Malfunction or failure
Any automatic changeable copy sign that malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or
normal programmed manner, thereby causing motion, movement, flashing or any other similar
effects, shall be repaired or disconnected within 24 hours by the owner or operator of such
sign.
§13.14. Sign Permits

See §15.8.
§13.15. Comprehensive Sign Plans Approved After July 24, 2012

A comprehensive sign plan shall include all signs for a development project. Once approved, a
comprehensive sign plan becomes the governing document for signs on a development project, and
permits will be issued only for signs shown on the comprehensive sign plan.
Applicability
A. A comprehensive sign plan is optional and may be approved for premises subject to §13.6
or §13.7;
B. A comprehensive sign plan is required for urban regional shopping centers, or portions
thereof, that opt to use §13.8.

§13.15 COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLANS APPROVED AFTER JULY 24, 2012 ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.15.2 REQUIRED PLAN ELEMENTS
C. A comprehensive sign plan approved by the County Board prior to July 24, 2012 shall
remain in effect unless replaced by a new comprehensive sign plan filed by the owners
and approved in accordance with the provisions of this §13.15, or unless an election is
made under §13.18.3.D.2 to have signs permitted without a comprehensive sign plan; and
D. The requirements of an approved comprehensive sign plan shall apply to all property,
buildings, uses and establishments within the development project.
Required plan elements

The comprehensive sign plan shall provide the following information related to all proposed
signs that require a permit and that are included in aggregate sign area:
A. Location
Identification of sign locations on buildings or property, including showing:
1. Setbacks from property or right-of-way lines;
2. Depth of projection;
3. Height above grade; and
4. For blade signs, clearance below.
B. Materials and illumination
Description of the type of sign and sign materials, including:
1. Construction materials; and
2. Proposed lighting, if any.
C. Size
1. Itemization of sign size and/or size of any defined sign band area at identified
locations; and
2. Total sign area per frontage, per sign type and overall for the project;
D. Allocation of sign area
1. Except as otherwise permitted in §13.8, aggregate sign area for all signs in a
comprehensive sign plan shall be the larger of:
(a) One square foot of sign per linear foot of building frontage; or
(b) For a building with at least one exterior public entrance and one or more
establishments with less than 60 feet of frontage, 60 sq. ft. for each such
establishment plus one square foot per linear foot of building frontage excluding
any frontage not occupied by those establishments.
2. Subject to size, location, and setback standards specified in §13.6, §13.7 or §13.8 for
the applicable district, the applicant for a comprehensive sign plan may allocate
permitted aggregate sign area among the walls of various buildings and, to the extent
allowed by §13.6, §13.7 or §13.8, among freestanding signs, to favor one tenant or
series of tenants, provided the comprehensive sign plan identifies available sign area
and sign type for each tenant.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.15 COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLANS APPROVED AFTER JULY 24, 2012
§13.15.3 ADDITIONAL SIGNS
Additional signs
In addition to otherwise allowed signs, premises subject to §13.7 shall be allowed additional
banners and wall or freestanding signs as part of a comprehensive sign plan, provided that the
locations and designs of the signs are shown on an approved comprehensive sign plan and that
such signs are in accordance with the following standards for the subject sign type. For
premises subject to §13.10, such additional signs shall be allowed without a comprehensive
sign plan.
A. Banners
1. General standards
Maximum number 2 per pole, as approved on comprehensive sign plan
Maximum size 6 sq. ft. on each side; may be 2-sided
Minimum clearance above sidewalk 8’6”
Permit required? Yes, single permit may cover multiple banners
2. Other standards
(a) Banners in this subsection §13.15.3.A are allowed only for property included in an
approved comprehensive sign plan and only in accordance with the provisions of
the approved plan;
(b) Banners in this §13.15.3.A are allowed only on street light poles. Such poles shall
be:
(1) Approved on or consistent with a County-approved site engineering plan for
0B
the project;
(2) Installed primarily for other purposes, such as site lighting;
1B
(3) Located in a parking lot, along a private street or on private property along a
2B
public or private plaza or courtyard;

(4) Two banners shall be allowed on a pole only if the two banners are of the
3B
same size and are mounted at the same height; and

(5) Banners on poles must be attached at all corners such that they do not
4B
move or flap.
3. Other permits or approvals
Banners on poles will be allowed only with the express consent of the owner(s) of the
underlying real property and the pole(s).

§13.16 TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND SALE/LEASING ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.16.1 ADDITIONAL PURPOSES
B. Wall or freestanding signs

1. General standards
Maximum size Wall: 6 sq. ft.; freestanding 12 sq. ft.
Maximum height Freestanding: 7 ft.
Number allowed Wall: 1 per building; freestanding: 1 per every
two buildings in a multi-building project
Automatic changeable copy? Yes, with frequency of change of copy less
than once per 24 hours
2. Other standards
(a) Additional signs under this §13.15.3.B are allowed only for buildings or projects
with approved comprehensive sign plans and only in locations shown on the
approved plan.
(b) Commercial content shall not be legible from a distance of more than six feet.
(c) Signs that change only through manipulation by the user shall be deemed not to
be automatic changeable copy signs and shall not be subject to the limitations in
§13.12.2.A.
§13.16. Temporary Signs for Construction and Sale/Leasing

The following additional signs are permitted with permits during periods of construction or sale/leasing
of property or space other than at one-family and two-family dwellings:
Additional Purposes
To address the substantial amount of new construction, redevelopment and remodeling of
buildings within the County, the following purposes, supplementing those set forth in §13.1
support the adoption of special provisions for signs for construction projects, new buildings and
empty spaces in existing projects:
A. The County must provide services even to partially occupied buildings;
B. Promoting occupancy of new buildings in the County encourages economic development
by enlarging the tax base;
C. The cost of media advertising is too expensive for all but the largest projects;
D. Many potential occupants for a new or remodeled project are likely to pass by the site
during the period of construction; and
E. On-site advertising is a particularly effective, as well as affordable, means of advertising
and helping to ensure occupancy of these projects and promoting future business, thus
encouraging economic development within the County.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.16 TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND SALE/LEASING
§13.16.2 NEW OR REMODELED BUILDING
New or remodeled building

A. General standards
Any new building or any building that has been substantially
vacant during a remodeling process may have, in addition to
other signs permitted by this Article 13, either:
1. Signs on construction fencing as set forth in §13.16.2.C.3;
or
2. A total of 120 sq. ft. of banners as set forth in
§13.16.2.C.1; or
3. Freestanding signs that do not exceed 15 feet in height as set forth in §13.16.2.C.2.
B. Such signs shall be removed by the first of the following to occur: one year after the
issuance of the shell and core permit; or the sale or lease of the building or property or,
for a multi-occupant property, the sale or lease of 80 percent of the gross leasable area of
the building.
C. Sign standards for new or remodeled buildings
1. Banners for new or remodeled building
(a) The banner shall be no larger than the 120 sq. ft. per main building on a lot;
(b) Any banner shall be firmly affixed at all corners to prevent its movement with air
currents; and
(1) After issuance of a certificate of occupancy and before installation of an
allowed permanent freestanding or wall sign; such a banner shall be
removed upon the installation of the permanent sign or the expiration of six
months from the date of installation of the banner, whichever first occurs.
(2) For a “grand opening” of a new establishment or an establishment with a
substantial change in ownership or control; such a banner may be displayed
for a period of not more than 30 days.
(c) If the banner is within 200 feet and facing an R district, the highest part of the
banner shall not be more than 40 feet above the finished grade as shown on the
approved site plan.
2. Freestanding sign for new or remodeled building
(a) The freestanding sign shall be no larger than the 120
sq. ft. per main building on the lot; and
(b) The freestanding sign shall be no more than 15 feet in
height.

§13.17 GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.16.3 OTHER BUILDINGS
3. Construction fencing
For new construction, remodeling or other modifications
during which there is no occupancy of the building and for
which fencing of the construction site is provided,
screening attached to the fence may bear images or text,
provided that text and numbers shall occupy no more
than the larger of the following area:
(a) 120 sq. ft. on each street frontage; or
(b) 20 percent of the area of the screening on a construction fence along each street
frontage.
Other buildings
A. For any spaces for which window signs are allowed, window
signs conforming with §13.7.14 may be used during periods of
sale or leasing; if the owner or occupant of a vacant space
chooses to cover the entire ground-floor window(s) of such
space, the size limit shall apply only to the portion of the
covering that contains text and numbers, using the same
method of measurement used to measure signs under §13.19.1.
B. Any permanent sign allowed by §13.6 or §13.7, identified as included in aggregate sign
area, and placed below a height of 40 feet, may be used during periods of sale or leasing,
or be wholly or partly covered with a temporary banner during periods of sale or leasing,
provided that the size of the banner shall not exceed the size of the permitted sign and
provided that the banner shall be firmly affixed at all four corners to prevent it moving
with air currents.
C. Where the vacancy rate of a building subject to §13.7 exceeds 33 percent, as determined
by the county manager or his or her designee based on a comprehensive database of
commercial real estate information, and if the building has had a certificate of occupancy
for more than one year, and the building cannot accommodate a sign due to placement of
windows, architectural features, and the like, then a temporary freestanding sign may be
permitted subject to review by the zoning administrator to determine whether the
location and design of the freestanding sign will meet all requirements of this zoning
ordinance. The sign shall be no larger than 20 sq. ft. in area and no higher than 18 feet in
height. The sign shall be removed immediately upon the vacancy rate of the building
falling below 33 percent, but in any event, within 6 months after the date of approval of
such sign by the zoning administrator.
§13.17. General Provisions

Substitution of message
Any sign allowed under this Article 13 or a predecessor ordinance, by special exception, or by
variance, may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial
message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a product,
commodity, or service for sale or lease, or to any other commercial interest or activity, so long
as said sign complies with the size, height, area, and other requirements of this zoning
ordinance.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.18 NONCONFORMING SIGNS
§13.17.2 SIGN REMOVAL
Sign removal
Every sign pertaining to a particular use shall be deemed to be accessory to that use, and if
such use ceases, shall be removed not more than six months thereafter.
Sign maintenance, replacement and repair

No sign shall be enlarged, extended, reconstructed, or structurally altered in a way that
extends the useful life of the sign unless it is made to comply with all applicable requirements
of this Article 13. This is not intended to prohibit routine maintenance, including repainting or
re-facing, of a sign.
Abandonment
If signs are discontinued for more than two years and then not continued in the existing
structural condition, they shall be made to comply with all applicable requirements of this
Ordinance.
§13.18. Nonconforming Signs

Applicability
Nonconforming signs are signs that met all ordinance requirements at the time of installation
or placement but which, due to ordinance changes, do not comply with current requirements.
Signs in historic districts

Notwithstanding the “applicability” provisions of §13.2, this Article 13 shall have no effect on
any sign permitted at the time of placement within a historic district designated by the County
Board. Such signs shall be considered conforming signs and may be modified or replaced in
accordance with the terms of this Article 13 applicable to conforming signs and in accordance
with the terms of §11.3.
Changes to nonconforming signs

A. No nonconforming sign shall be modified except in accordance with the following
standards and conditions:
1. No nonconforming sign shall be modified in any manner that would increase the
degree of its nonconformity, increase its size, or prolong its useful life. Replacing any
part of the support structure of the sign shall be considered as prolonging its useful
life; and
2. No nonconforming sign which has been removed or has become dilapidated or
damaged to the extent that repair of the sign requires replacement of any part of its
support structure shall be replaced, except that this sentence shall not prevent the
issuance of a permit for a conforming sign to replace the former nonconforming sign
at the same location as the former nonconforming sign; and
3. Any nonconformity that relates to the luminance level of a sign shall be corrected and
brought into conformity by January 1, 2023.
B. Except as otherwise provided by §13.18.3.D.3 below, no permit for an additional sign shall
be issued for any premises on which there are nonconforming signs. Provided, however,
that where the only nonconformity relates to luminance level, and the additional permit is

§13.18 NONCONFORMING SIGNS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.18.3 CHANGES TO NONCONFORMING SIGNS
sought prior to January 1, 2023, then additional permit(s) may be issued in spite of the
nonconformity.
C. The zoning administrator may approve the replacement of a nonconforming sign with a
sign that does not fully conform with the terms of this zoning ordinance if the
Administrator finds that:
1. The replacement sign would achieve a substantial reduction in the degree of
nonconformity of the sign;
2. The replacement sign would fully conform with all provisions of this Article 13 related
to lighting, motion and changeable copy;
3. If located within 250 feet of an R district or RA district, the replacement sign would
fully conform with the height limitations of this Article 13;
4. The replacement sign would fully conform with the visual clearance area
requirements of §3.2.5.A.4.; and
(a) There are no other nonconforming signs on the same lot or building; or
(b) Any other nonconforming signs on the same lot or building will be brought into full
conformance with this Article 13 as a condition of approval of the replacement
sign.
D. Where a comprehensive sign plan was approved prior to July 24, 2012, the approval for
signs allowed by such comprehensive sign plan shall continue in effect, and such signs
shall be treated as conforming to this ordinance, subject to the following:
1. All signs placed on the property subject to the comprehensive sign plan shall conform
in all respects to the approved comprehensive sign plan and any conditions of such
approval, except as to luminance level, which shall be subject to §13.18.3.A.3.
2. A property owner or person in charge may elect to place only signs permitted under
this Article 13 instead of signs allowed by the approved comprehensive sign plan, or
instead of seeking approval of a comprehensive sign plan as required by a site plan
condition, provided that:
(a) An application is submitted to the zoning administrator for an administrative
change;
(b) The zoning administrator finds that all signs on the property comply with this
Article 13; and
(c) No sign that is either specifically prohibited by a condition in an approved site plan
or comprehensive sign plan for the subject property, or that expressly requires
County Board approval, shall be approved by the zoning administrator.
3. The zoning administrator may approve amendments to comprehensive sign plans, as
follows. The zoning administrator may permit:
(a) Substitution of one or more comprehensive sign plan approved signs placed below
a height of 40 feet with sign(s) of no greater cumulative area than that of the
sign(s) being substituted, that fully comply with the requirements of this Article 13.
Signs placed above a height of 40 feet may be substituted only with signs placed
above a height of 40 feet and subject to the provisions of §13.7.1.G.

ARTICLE 13. SIGNS §13.19 DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
§13.19.1 MEASUREMENTS
(b) Additional signs that fully comply with the requirements of this Article 13, provided
that the total area of: 1) all approved signs that do not conform with this Article 13
plus 2) all signs included in aggregate sign area by this Article 13, where no sign is
counted more than once in this sum, does not exceed the aggregate sign area
allocated for the subject property under this Article 13.
§13.19. Definitions and Interpretations

Measurements
A. Aggregate sign area
See Article 18.
B. Linear foot of building frontage
Linear foot of building frontage is the length of a straight line measured from one end of
the wall most nearly parallel to the public right-of-way to the other end of the same wall
of the portion of the building façade facing a public street or facing a street with a public
access easement. Neither articulations nor off-sets in the wall shall increase the length of
the linear foot of building frontage.
C. Story above finished grade
The height of a story above finished grade is measured from the adjacent grade to the
finished floor of the story above; where there is no story above, the height is measured to
the roofline of the façade.
D. Urban Regional Shopping Center Façade Area
The area of the urban regional shopping center façade is the result of multiplying the
height and width of the urban regional shopping center façade. The height of the façade is
measured from the adjacent grade to the finished floor of the story above the urban
regional shopping center façade. Where there is no story above, the height is measured to
the roofline of the façade.
E. Sign area, individual signs
1. General
Sign area shall be the area of the rectangle if the sign is rectangular; or if the sign is
not rectangular, the smallest convex polygon that contains the entire sign, excluding
those architectural embellishments and supports on which no advertising material or
lighting is displayed.
2. Outline lighting
Any exposed tubing or lighting used to outline a sign shall be included in computation
of sign area.
3. Signs painted on wall
Where a sign is painted on a wall or other surface, the sign area shall include the
entire area of the background color(s) of the sign that differentiate it from the general
color of the wall or other surface.
4. Signs on awnings
Where a sign appears on an awning, notwithstanding the size or color of the awning

§13.19 DEFINITIONS AND INTE RPRETATIONS ARTICLE 13. SIGNS
§13.19.2 SIGN-RELATED DEFINITIONS
itself, the sign area shall be measured as set forth in §13.19.1.E.1, above.
5. Blade or double-faced signs
For blade or double-faced signs, the sign area shall be the area of one display face
where the interior angle formed by the faces is 90 degrees or less. Otherwise the sign
area shall include the area of all sign faces.
6. Window signs
The size of a window shall be the area of glass surrounded by structural portions of
the building. For window signs, the sign area shall be calculated as set forth in
§13.19.1.E.1, above, as a percentage of the area of the window, where dividers
(mullions) of more than five inches shall not be counted as window area.
F. Sign height
1. The height of a freestanding sign shall be the difference in height between the
elevation of the finished grade level beneath the sign and the elevation of the
uppermost extremity of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher.
2. The height of a sign attached to a building shall be the difference in height between
the elevation of the finished grade level beneath the sign and the elevation of the
uppermost extremity of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher.
G. Three-dimensional sign dimensions
1. The sign area of a three-dimensional or irregularly-shaped sign shall be the area of the
convex polygon that will contain the entire sign when viewed in any dimension. If the
size of such a polygon varies depending on the perspective of the sign viewed, the
largest such polygon shall be used as the sign area. If the sign projects more than two
feet from the wall, the sign area shall be two times the area measured by such
polygon, to reflect the fact that the sign has a visual effect similar to a two-faced sign.
2. The maximum dimensional envelope shall be the polyhedron created by the
dimensions indicated in the “maximum dimensional envelope” line for a freestanding
sign in §13.8 such that the freestanding sign is fully contained within the maximum
dimensional envelope.
Sign-related definitions
See §18.2

Article 14. Site Development Standards
§14.1. Maintenance of Common Area
Applicability
Whenever a subdivision (including any division of interests whether covered by the subdivision
ordinance or not) is created which contains any common area which will be conveyed to a
homeowners' association, a council of co-owners or similar entity, the owner of the subdivided
property shall create and record among the county land records,
Requirements
A. Prior to the conveyance of any lot in the subdivision, a covenant which shall provide for
the following:
1. That the entity which owns the common area shall be responsible for its maintenance.
2. That in the event the entity fails to maintain the common area in accordance with the
county-approved landscape plan for the subdivision or applicable state and county
statutes and ordinances, the county shall have the right to enter upon the common
area for the purposes of bringing it into compliance with the landscape plan, the
statutes or ordinances.
3. That a pro rata share of the costs incurred by the county pursuant to subsection 2,
above, shall constitute a lien on each lot within the subdivision.
4. A recitation that the covenant shall run with the real property within the subdivision
and be binding on all parties having any right, title or interest in any lot therein.
B. All covenants required under this section shall be approved by the county attorney prior
to recordation.
§14.2. Landscaping
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide landscaping in order to better control and ameliorate
problems of air and noise pollution, afford wind protection, help moderate temperature
extremes, to increase property values and attract prosperous business activities into the county
and to make the county a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing place to live, shop and
work. It is the further intent of this section to provide minimum standards for the selection of
plant materials to ensure their survival.
Landscape plans and plant materials

A. Applicability
All properties requiring site landscaping must submit with the application for a building
219F
permit a landscape plan demonstrating compliance with the standards set forth below.
B. Site landscaping requirements
1. Street trees: All properties requiring site landscaping shall include major deciduous
trees at the minimum rate of one for every 35 feet along any property line abutting

§14.2 LANDSCAPING ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
§14.2.2 LANDSCAPE PLANS AND PLANT MATERIALS
public right-of-way. The requirement may be satisfied by planting trees within the
public right-of-way at a location to be designated by the zoning administrator or,
alternatively, such trees shall be planted on-site within the front yard setback. 20F
2. No on-site landscaped area shall be less than five feet wide or eight feet long, except
that this provision shall not apply to areas covered by easements for public purposes.
3. A minimum of 25 percent of the landscaped area shall be covered by shrub spread at
maturity.
C. Landscape plans standards
The landscape plan must show:
1. Topography of site before and after landscaping.
2. Location and size of all existing plant materials.
3. Existing vegetation to be retained.
4. Devices by which existing plant material shall be protected from damage during land
alteration or land development activities. All disturbed areas not otherwise treated
shall be seeded and/or sodded.
5. Location, type, size, spacing and number of proposed trees, shrubs, and ground
covers.
6. Property lines, match lines, easements, limit of contract, building overhangs, paved
areas, fences, walls and utilities.
7. A legend, plant list, key, a scale drawn to a minimum of one inch to 30 feet, north
arrow and planting detail.
D. Planting materials standards
1. Deciduous trees with an ultimate height of 36 feet or greater to be planted shall be a
minimum two-inch caliper and 10 feet in height at time of planting.
2. Deciduous trees with an ultimate height of 35 feet or less to be planted shall be a
minimum of one and one-half-inch caliper at the time of planting, and eight feet in
height at time of planting.
3. Evergreen trees with an ultimate height of 26 feet or greater shall have a minimum
height of five feet at time of planting.
4. Evergreen trees with an ultimate height of 25 feet or less shall have a minimum height
of two feet at time of planting.
5. Caliper, as used herein, is the diameter in inches of the tree as measured six inches
above ground level for trees up to and including those trees measuring four inches in
caliper. Trees with a caliper greater than four inches shall be measured 12 inches
above ground level.
6. Spreading shrubs, deciduous or evergreen, to be planted shall be a minimum 15
inches in diameter.
7. Upright shrubs to be planted shall be a minimum of 24 inches in height.

ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS §14.2 LANDSCAPING
§14.2.3 MAINTENANCE
8. All trees, shrubs, vines or groundcover, shall be living species. No artificial plant
material may be used to fulfill the requirements of this section.
9. All plant materials must be:
(a) Normally developed and typically representative of species and/or variety stated;
(b) Stock well-branched and healthy; and
(c) In accordance with the American Association of Nurserymen's American Standard
for Nursery Stock.
10. A list of trees and shrubs to be used by developers to plan landscaping in compliance
with this subsection shall be available at the office of the zoning administrator.
11. Trees that vary from this list may be used subject to the approval of the zoning
administrator.
Maintenance
The owner of the property, or his designated agent, shall be responsible for the proper care
and maintenance, and replacement if necessary, of all landscape materials in a healthy and
growing condition.
Parking area landscaping

A. Applicability
The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all parking areas, including public and
private areas, designed for 20 or more spaces except the provision of §14.2.4.E.1(b),
which shall be applicable regardless of the number of parking spaces.
B. Landscape plans requirements
1. No parking area of 20 or more spaces shall be constructed or enlarged until a
landscape plan for that parking area has been approved by the zoning administrator.
2. Landscape plans shall be drawn according to the standards set forth in §14.2.2.C.
3. Landscape plans shall show dimensions and distances, clearly delineate the existing
and proposed parking spaces, or other vehicular use area, access aisles, driveways,
and the location, size and description of all landscape materials.
C. Parking lot landscaping design criteria
1. All end islands of parking rows and all areas not otherwise used for ingress, egress,
aisles or parking must be landscaped.
2. The interior space of any planting area shall be no less than nine square feet. and not
narrower than two feet across its center.
3. The primary landscaping materials used in parking lots shall be deciduous trees which
are capable of providing shade at maturity. Shrubbery, hedges and other live plant
materials are to be used to complement the tree landscaping. Effective use of berms
and existing topography is also encouraged as a component of the landscape plan.
4. All interior planting areas shall be protected from vehicle intrusion by a permanent
barrier not less than four nor more than eight inches high.

§14.3 PARKING AND LOADING ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
§14.3.1 POLICY
5. In those instances where plant material exists on a parking lot site prior to its
development, such landscape material may be used if approved as meeting the
landscaping requirements of this subsection.
D. Planting materials
All plant materials shall conform to the standards set forth in §14.2.2.D.
E. Screening requirements
1. Parking areas
The following regulations apply in all districts to all uses, including vehicle sales, rental
or leasing facility, sales or rental lots and vehicle storage lots:
(a) A landscaped strip a minimum of five feet wide shall be provided where a parking
area abuts streets, sidewalks, street right-of-way and alleys separating C districts
from R, RA, and S-3A districts. Deciduous trees shall be spaced every 25 linear feet,
to be measured along the property line, in the planting areas with a minimum of
three evergreen shrubs, planted on center, which attain a minimum height of three
feet at maturity, planted between.
(b) Except between abutting RA zoned lots or where topography achieves the same
effect, any part of a parking area located closer than 50 feet to a side or rear lot line
of a lot in an R or RA district or where such parking extends into an R or RA district
as a permitted transitional use, a minimum of a five-foot wide landscaped strip
with a wall or fence shall be required. The wall or fence shall be placed within 10
feet of, and generally parallel to, the boundary of the parking area and the R or RA
lots. The landscaped strip may be placed on either side of the wall or fence. Such
wall or fence shall consist of durable material so arranged that direct light cannot
penetrate the face thereof. Such wall or fence shall have a minimum height of six
feet above the finished surface of the area that it bounds, measured at the wheel
bumper, where such exists, and of six feet above the ground surface of the side
exposed to abutting properties. The height of the wall or fence shall be reduced to
four feet when located in the required setback. In parking areas with less than 20
spaces, the five-foot landscaped strip may be deleted; however, in all cases the wall
or fence shall be required.
(c) A landscaped strip five feet wide shall be provided where C properties abut R, RA,
and S-3A properties.
(d) Planting which is required for screening may be considered as partial or complete
fulfillment of the site landscaping requirement.
F. Maintenance
The owner of the property, or his designated agent, shall be responsible for the proper
care and maintenance, and replacement if necessary, of all landscape materials in a
healthy and growing condition.
§14.3. Parking and Loading

Policy
Virtually every land use in the county now requires, and in the foreseeable future will require,
access by motor vehicles. For the purposes of reducing and avoiding congestion of streets and

ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS §14.3 PARKING AND LOADING
§14.3.2 REDUCTION OF PARKING, STANDING OR LOADING AREAS
providing a more suitable living and working environment, it is hereby declared to be the policy
of the county that:
A. For every land use hereafter established, there shall be provided sufficient space for
access by, and for the off-street standing and parking of, all motor vehicles that may be
expected to come to the premises at any time under normal conditions for any purpose,
whether as patrons, customers, purveyors, guests, employees or otherwise.
B. The responsibility for providing the space required by this zoning ordinance shall be that
of whoever establishes the use to which it is appurtenant, except in business districts in
which the County Board has declared, by resolution, that permanent parking space (but
not loading space) has been provided on a community rather than an individual basis and
that such space for such business district, within designated boundaries, shall be prorated
against the requirements of this article.
C. The requirements as to off-street parking space and off-street loading space set forth in
this zoning ordinance are adopted in pursuance of the foregoing policy. Except as may be
allowed by site plan or use permit approval, said requirements shall be deemed to be
minimum requirements.
Reduction of parking, standing or loading areas

No parking area, parking space, standing space or loading space which existed at the time this
zoning ordinance became effective or which subsequent thereto is provided shall thereafter be
relinquished or reduced in any manner below the requirements established in this zoning
ordinance except as may be permitted by §16.5.
General requirements
The requirements set forth in this article with respect to the location or improvement of
parking, standing and loading space shall apply to all such space that is provided for any use,
whether said space is provided in accordance with the requirements of this zoning ordinance,
or said space is voluntarily provided. Parking, standing and loading space shall comply with the
following regulations:
A. Use and parking on same lot
Off-street parking and off-street loading space appurtenant to any use permitted in any R
or RA districts shall be provided on the same parcel of land occupied by the use to which
said space is appurtenant or on common areas in the same subdivision.
B. Off-site parking
1. Zoning districts other than R and RA districts
All off-street parking space appurtenant to any use other than a use permitted in any
R or RA district shall be on the same parcel of land with the use to which it is
appurtenant or on common areas in the same subdivision; provided, however, that
where there are practical difficulties in the way of such location of parking space or if
the public safety or the public convenience, or both, would be better served by the
location thereof other than on the same parcel of land with the use to which it is
appurtenant, the zoning administrator, acting on a specific application, shall authorize
such alternative location of required parking space as will adequately serve the public
interest, subject to the following conditions:

§14.3.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(a) Such space shall be located on land in the same ownership as that of the land on
which is located the use to which such space is appurtenant or, in the case of
parking for certain restaurants, shall conform to the requirements in §14.3.6.
(b) A pedestrian entrance to such space shall be located within a distance of 600 feet,
by the shortest route of effective pedestrian access, entrance to entrance.
(c) Such space shall be conveniently usable without causing unreasonable:
(1) Hazard to pedestrians.
(2) Hazard to vehicular traffic.
(3) Traffic congestion.
(4) Interference with safe and convenient access to other parking areas in the
vicinity.
(5) Detriment to the appropriate use of business property in the vicinity.
(6) Detriment to any residential neighborhood.
2. S-3A and P-S districts
Off-site parking incidental to a use permitted in a P, R or RA district may be permitted
in the S-3A and P-S districts subject to use permit approval as provided in §15.4;
provided that, unless located on publicly-owned land, such parking area shall be on
land in the same fee ownership as the land on which the appurtenant use is located.
C. Dimensional requirements
1. Off-street parking spaces and off-street parking aisles
In calculating any required parking area, other than for one- and two-family dwellings,
the following minimum dimensions shall be required:
Parking Angle Stall Width Depth of Stalls Perpendicular One-way Aisle Two-way Aisle
(degrees) (feet) to Aisle (feet) Width (feet) Width (feet)
Full Size Automobile Spaces
45 8.5 17.5 12.0 Not permitted
60 8.5 19.5 16.0 Not permitted
90 8.5 18.0 23.0 23.0
Parallel 22.0 8.0 12.0 23.0
Compact Car Spaces
45 8 16.0 12.0 Not permitted
60 8 16.7 15.0 Not permitted
90 8 15.0 21.0 21.0
Parallel 20.0 8.0 10.0 20.0
NOTE: In the event of a row of nine foot wide stalls is opposite to a row of seven and one-half-foot wide stalls, the aisle size
required for nine-foot stalls shall apply.
2. Standing space
Each required standing space shall be no less than nine by 20 feet and shall have a
minimum vertical clearance of no less than seven feet.
3. Loading space
Each required loading space shall be no less than 12 feet wide, 25 feet long, and shall
have a minimum vertical clearance of no less than 14 feet.

D. Vehicle access
Access and maneuvering space shall be provided in accordance with §14.3.3.C and shall
permit the parking and removal of a vehicle without moving other vehicles.
E. Parking in setbacks
In all R, RA, C-1 and C-1-O districts, except for one- and two-family dwellings and
townhouses in R districts, no parking or required curb or wall shall encroach on the
exterior 10 feet of a setback area and such area shall be landscaped and properly
maintained at all times.
F. Compact car spaces
Any parking area may include up to 15 percent of the parking spaces for compact cars. In
parking areas for office uses containing more than 100 spaces, up to 15 percent of the
spaces may be compact spaces. The spaces shall be grouped together and visibly marked
for "compact cars only." Aisle size shall not be reduced unless an entire aisle is providing
access and maneuvering space for only compact cars. No compact parking spaces are
permitted for hospitals or hospital-related medical and health care facilities, medical
offices, nursing homes, convalescent homes and intermediate care facilities, and related
housing for the elderly. Compact parking spaces are not permitted for retail sales and
service uses, or for required guest and visitor parking.
G. Use of private parking areas
1. No parking spaces located in a private parking area in R or RA districts except in the
RA-H district shall be used by any persons other than persons engaging in the use for
which the parking is provided such as occupants of the premises, their visitors and
employees at the site, except as expressly provided in §14.3.3.G.2 and §14.3.7 below.
2. For religious institutions, lodges, or community swimming pools not operated
primarily for commercial gain:
(a) Parking spaces that are accessory to those uses may be used by off-site users to
park noncommercial vehicles, when such use does not exceed either 10 percent of
the total number of spaces or 12 parking spaces, whichever is less; and
(b) Parking spaces that are accessory to those uses may be used by off-site users to
park non-commercial vehicles, when such use is for no more than four days per 90
day period; and
(c) The County Board may, by use permit approval, as specified in §15.4, permit the
use of parking spaces accessory to those uses to be leased or used under a verbal
or written contractual agreement with off-site users to park non-commercial
vehicles, when such use exceeds the parameters set forth in §14.3.3.G.1 and
§14.3.3.G.2, above. Such use permit may be approved where the County Board
finds that such use promotes the effective use of the county’s limited parking
facilities, reduces traffic congestion, and does not create adverse impacts on the
abutting streets, neighborhoods, or neighborhoods across the street, and will not
result in parking being unavailable for the primary use of the site on which the
parking is provided. The County Board may, through such use permit approval,
allow spaces that are required by this zoning ordinance to be provided for the place
of worship or lodge to also be used for other purposes pursuant to such use permit,
if the findings above are made.

3. Parking spaces in C, C-O, M, RA-H or R-C districts located in a private parking area,
which are provided in addition to those required by this zoning ordinance to serve the
premises, may be used by persons other than persons engaging in the use for which
the parking is provided.
4. Parking spaces in C, C-O, M, RA-H or R-C districts which are required by this zoning
ordinance may be used by persons other than persons engaging in uses on the site,
provided that said spaces shall be made available at all times to persons engaging in
uses on the site at least at the same rates as to persons not engaging in uses on the
site, and provided that there is no demand for said spaces by persons engaging in uses
on the site.
H. Access to parking spaces
1. Except for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in R districts, street rights-
of-way shall not be used for maneuvering or direct ingress, or egress to off-street
parking spaces.
2. Alleys which are improved to county standards may be used for maneuvering or direct
ingress and egress to off-street parking spaces if the required aisle width is provided.
I. Location of parking spaces
1. In any districts, parking spaces for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses may
encroach on the exterior 10 feet of a setback area, provided that they are located on a
driveway with an existing or approved curb cut, and they have the minimum
dimensions for full size automobile spaces as are required in §14.3.3.C. Parking
spaces shall be designed and used so that the automobiles parked on driveways shall
not encroach into the public rights-of-way. The setback area used for parking shall be
landscaped and properly maintained at all times. The ground surface of the parking
space shall be paved with a durable, dust-free and hard material, such as bituminous
hot mix or Portland cement concrete or some comparable material, or shall be
surfaced with an alternate material, suitable for passage by automobiles, which does
not result in excessively dusty or muddy conditions at or around the parking area, as
approved by the zoning administrator.
2. Tandem parking spaces may be allowed for off-street parking spaces for one- or two-
family dwellings or townhouses, provided that they comply with §14.3.3.J.
J. Conversion of parking, standing or loading spaces
No parking areas, parking spaces, standing spaces or loading spaces required by this
zoning ordinance shall be converted to any other use, which other uses include, without
limitation, living space, storage, home occupation or other uses.
K. Management of parking spaces by the homeowner's association
Whenever a subdivision is created which contains any common area that will be used for
parking and conveyed to a homeowners' association or similar entity, the owner of the
subdivided property shall record a covenant in the land records of the Circuit Court which
provides that the homeowners' association or similar entity shall be responsible for the
management of the common area parking spaces in its subdivision, including the
following:

§14.3.4 REQUIRED IMPROVEMENT S
1. Maintenance of the required number of parking spaces in common areas in the

subdivision, allocation of common area parking spaces to each property owner in the
subdivision, or to visitor use, as required by this zoning ordinance; locations of all
required common area parking spaces according to approved plans on file with the
zoning office;
2. Ratio of compact to full-size common area parking spaces;
3. Striping; landscaping;
4. Lighting; and
5. Installation of any signs on common area parking spaces.
L. Encroachment into parking spaces
No encroachment into parking spaces that reduces the parking spaces' width, length or
height clearance shall be permitted unless otherwise allowed by the zoning administrator.
Required improvements
Every parcel of land hereafter used as a private or public standing or parking area, other than
parking required for one-and two-family dwellings, a loading space, a vehicle sales, rental or
leasing facility or a vehicle storage lot (referred to in this section as "parking area") shall be
provided with safe and convenient access to a street and shall be improved in accordance with
the following requirements:
A. Paving
The ground surface shall be paved with a durable, dust-free and hard material, such as
bituminous hot mix or Portland cement concrete or some comparable material subject to
approval of the zoning administrator. Such paving shall be maintained for safe and
convenient use at all times.
1. Plans and timing
Engineering and grading plans shall be submitted to the Department of Environmental
Services, showing property lines, existing and proposed contours, proposed points of
ingress and egress, curbing, sidewalks, lighting fixtures, drainage structures, collection
booths and such other information as may relate to the construction of the parking
area.
(a) Deferral for up to one year
When a developer is required to improve a new or existing parking area in
accordance with the provisions of this §14.3.4, the owner of the property may
request, in writing, that such improvements be deferred for a period not to
exceed one year, subject to the zoning administrator's approval of a temporary
surfacing material, provided that the alternate material does not result in
excessively dusty or muddy conditions at and around the parking area and
guarantees for such improvements are proffered in writing and recorded in the
land records in the office of the clerk of the court of Arlington County.
(b) Deferral for up to six years
Improvements required for a new or existing public parking area, in accordance
with the provisions, below, may be deferred for a period not to exceed six years
from the date of the approved parking lot occupancy permit. No extension or

§14.3.4 REQUIRED IMPROVEMENT S
renewal beyond the six-year period shall be permitted for any parking area. The
deferral of required improvements shall be subject to the following and
approved by the zoning administrator:
(1) The ground surface shall be improved in accordance with §14.3.4.A.
(2) Internal drainage of significant surface water shall be controlled by curbing
or contours and shall be discharged to a suitable storm sewer system or to a
positive outfall area.
(3) Sidewalks shall be constructed to walkway standards, up to a maximum of
eight feet in width, if abutting curb and gutter improvements are in place.
Where curb and gutter improvements are not in place temporary asphalt
sidewalks of a minimum of four feet in width shall be provided abutting the
parking.
(4) Minimum horizontal illumination lighting standard of one footcandle shall
be provided throughout the parking area. Lights used to illuminate any
parking area shall be so arranged and shielded so as to confine all direct
light rays entirely within the boundary lines of the parking area.
(5) Wheel stops four feet from the edge of the parking area shall be provided to
prevent vehicles from overhanging the public right-of-way and abutting
properties.
(6) For parking areas closer than 50 feet to a side or rear lot line of a lot in an R
or RA district, a six-foot solid wall or fence shall be required and placed
within 10 feet of, and generally parallel to, the boundary of the parking area
and the R or RA lots.
(7) Driveway openings through the curb shall not exceed 30 feet in width
measured at the edge of the street easement or right-of-way.
(8) Provisions shall be made to organize parking to provide adequate aisle
clearance and entrance and exit accessibility, according to acceptable
engineering practice.
(9) Areas not used for access or parking shall be planted in grass or other
appropriate ground cover.
B. Curbs and delineation
Fixed and permanent wheel bumpers or curbs of concrete or some comparable material
at least four inches high, together with metal safety rails where specified by the zoning
administrator, shall be installed for each parking area at least four feet within the
prescribed limits of the parking area. The space created between the wheel bumper or
curb and the required landscaped area may be either paved or covered with pervious
materials; no plants may be used in this area that grow higher than six inches. Where the
parking is so designated that the vehicle overhang does not protrude outside the
prescribed limits of the area, such curbs may be placed at the outside limits of the area.
Parking spaces shall be delineated and periodically restored to maintain a clear
identification of separate parking stalls.

§14.3.5 REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING AND STANDING SPACE
C. Curb cuts
Driveway openings through the curb shall not exceed 30 feet in width measured at the
edge of the street easement or right-of-way.
D. Landscaping and screening
For landscaping and screening of parking areas, refer to §14.2, Landscaping, for
regulations. See also §14.3.4.A.1(b)(6).
E. Lighting
Lights used to illuminate any parking area shall be so arranged and shielded as to confine
all direct light rays entirely within the boundary lines of such area.
F. Plans
An application for a building permit for a parking area shall include plans in duplicate
covering all the foregoing requirements which shall be approved by the zoning
administrator before work is commenced.
Required off-street parking and standing space

Parking or standing spaces shall be provided for each use, as permitted in its respective
classification, in not less than the amounts set forth herein for every building, or addition
thereto, and for all uses of land hereafter established or expanded:
A. Use of parking or standing space
Parking or standing space required by this zoning ordinance shall be used only for those
purposes. Any other use of said space, including any repair work or servicing of any kind,
shall be deemed to constitute a separate commercial use of said space in violation of the
provisions of this zoning ordinance.
B. Computation
For the purpose of computing required off-street standing, parking or loading space in
relation to floor area, the gross floor area shall be used. When computing parking space
requirements on the basis of the number of occupants, practitioners, or employees, the
total maximum number of said occupants on the premises at any one time shall be used.
When application of the requirements would result in a fractional space, any such fraction
shall be counted as one space. If there is any uncertainty with respect to the amount of
parking space required by the provisions of this zoning ordinance as a result of any
indefiniteness as to the proposed use of a building or of land, the maximum requirement
for the general type of use that is involved shall govern.
Parking in Metro station areas

A. Uses exempted from parking requirements
To encourage and promote pedestrian-related commercial activity in Metro station areas,
no parking shall be required for the uses listed below where the major portion of the use
is located within 1,000 feet of a Metrorail station entrance. No floor area granted a
reduction under the provisions of this subsection shall be converted to any other use
unless parking is provided for the space in accordance with the requirements of this
zoning ordinance, notwithstanding any other provisions of this zoning ordinance, including
§15.6.6.A.

§14.3.6 PARKING IN METRO STATION AREAS
1. Restaurants
(a) Restaurants operating only between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (no floor area
restriction).
(b) Restaurants operating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and which have fewer
than 200 seats.
(c) Restaurants operating between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall provide parking
spaces in accordance with the requirements in §14.3.2, §14.3.4, and §14.3.5, for
the number of seats that exceeds 200 seats.
For purpose of this subsection, the number of seats shall be the number of seats
allowed by the certificate of occupancy for the restaurant.
2. Retail and service-commercial uses
Retail and service-commercial uses for the first 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area per main
building, except the following uses which shall not be granted the exemption
blueprinting or photostating; catering establishment, large scale; feed or fuel store;
frozen food lockers; ice storage house; indoor swimming pools; medical or dental
offices, clinics and laboratories; vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities ; vehicle
storage lots; music conservatory or music instruction; plumbing or sheet metal shops;
printing, lithographing or publishing; public service, including electric distribution
substation, fire or police station, telephone exchange and the like; sign making shop;
trade or commercial school; vehicle service establishment.
3. Grocery stores
Grocery stores that are not the principal use on a site, for the first 15,000 square feet.
B. Special administrative provisions for meeting parking requirements for
restaurants
Between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., restaurants shall provide parking spaces as provided in
§14.3.6.A. To encourage and promote pedestrian-related commercial activity in Metro
station areas and to promote the efficient use of parking spaces, the required parking
spaces for restaurants, the major portions of which are located within 1,000 feet of a
Metro station entrance, may be provided by the restaurant obtaining a legally binding
agreement to use off-site parking spaces, under any ownership, that are not required by
any other use; or on-site or off-site parking spaces that are required for another use that is
not open for business between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; provided that the zoning
administrator approves such agreement and location of required parking spaces. Use of
parking spaces to meet the zoning requirements shall be subject to the following
conditions:
1. Such parking spaces shall be located in commercial or industrial districts.
2. Such parking spaces shall conform to the requirements in §14.3.3, §14.3.4, and
§14.3.7.
3. A pedestrian entrance to such parking spaces shall be located within a distance of 600
feet from the restaurant entrance by the shortest route of effective pedestrian access.
4. Such parking spaces shall be conveniently usable for patrons of the restaurant without
causing unreasonable:

(a) Hazard to pedestrians.

(b) Hazard to vehicular traffic.
(c) Traffic congestion.
(d) Interference with safe and convenient access to other parking areas in the vicinity.
(e) Detriment to the appropriate use of business property in the vicinity.
(f) Detriment to any residential neighborhood.
5. The applicant shall file one copy of a notarized, legally binding agreement for the use
of said parking spaces with the zoning administrator for review and approval when
any restaurant parking requirement is met through said agreement. Approval by the
zoning administrator of said agreement shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) The name, address, and legal authorization of each signatory to execute the
agreement shall be shown on the agreement.
(b) An agreement for the use of parking spaces shall be for not less than 20 years or
shall coincide with the full period of the term of the lease, including options, for use
of the land or building for the restaurant, whichever is shorter.
(c) Verification satisfactory to the zoning administrator that the use for which such
parking spaces are required is not open for business between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00
a.m. shall be provided by the applicant.
(d) A certified survey plat depicting the parking spaces shall be attached to the
agreement. The plat shall accurately show the following:
(1) The precise locations of the restaurant and the parking spaces.
(2) The distance between the restaurant and the parking spaces by the shortest
route of effective pedestrian access.
(3) The location, dimensions, access aisles, driveways, entrances, and exits of
the parking spaces.
(4) Any other information required by the general regulations of this section.
6. Once the notarized copy of said agreement is approved and the parking spaces
described on the agreement are certified to comply with all applicable provisions of
this zoning ordinance by the zoning administrator, the zoning administrator shall
credit such parking spaces toward the parking requirement of the restaurant and shall
issue the certificate of occupancy to the restaurant. The applicant shall immediately
notify the zoning administrator either before any amendment to or upon termination
of the agreement.
(a) If the validity of any agreement for the use of said parking spaces submitted in
compliance with this subsection expires or the agreement for any reason becomes
null and void, the certificate of occupancy issued under this subsection shall be
automatically suspended for the number of seats affected by said nullification,
effective as of the date of such expiration or nullification. The restaurant shall
cease operation of said number of seats and shall not resume until such time as a
replacement agreement for the use of said parking spaces, approved by the zoning
administrator, is made and the requirements of this subsection are satisfied. The

applicant shall obtain an amended certificate of occupancy for the seats that are
not affected by said voiding.
(b) In the event a certificate of occupancy is suspended as provided in §14.3.6.B.6(a),
above, if the applicant applies for a use permit for a modification of parking
requirements for the restaurant as described in §14.3.6.C, the restaurant shall be
allowed to continue operation for a maximum period of 90 days or until such time
as the County Board renders a decision on the use permit request, whichever is
shorter.
7. Acceptance by the zoning administrator of any agreement for the use of parking
spaces shall in no way obligate the county to enforce the provisions of said
agreement, nor shall it render the county liable for any damages, injury, or loss
resulting from the implementation of the provisions of the agreement.
8. The applicant shall negotiate the renewal of any agreement for the use of said parking
spaces prior to its expiration and provide copies of such supplemental agreement to
the zoning administrator in the form and manner specified by this subsection.
C. Modification of parking requirements for restaurants by use permit
1. To encourage and promote pedestrian-related commercial activity in Metro station
areas and to promote efficient use of parking spaces, the parking requirements for
restaurants, the major portions of which are located within 1,000 feet of a Metro
station entrance, may be modified by use permit. Such modification may include, but
shall not be limited to, modification of the number of on-site or off-site parking spaces
required for the number of seats in the restaurant, and the distance between the
restaurant and the proposed off-site parking spaces. In granting such use permit, the
County Board may consider, among other things, the following factors:
(a) Hours of operation of the restaurant.
(b) The modes of transportation which are conveniently available to patrons of the
restaurant.
(c) Management practices of the restaurant to reduce parking needs by patrons and
employees.
(d) Whether parking spaces which are available for a restaurant are, as determined by
the County Board, conveniently usable by patrons of the restaurant without
causing unreasonable:
(1) Hazard to pedestrians.
(2) Hazard to vehicular traffic.
(3) Traffic congestion.
vicinity.
(5) Detriment to the appropriate use of business property in the vicinity.

§14.3.7 REQUIRED PARKING AND STANDING SPACE
D. Modification of parking requirements for office and commercial uses

The parking requirement for office and commercial uses may be reduced by 10 percent if
a direct connection which is not greater than 500 feet in length and which provides shelter
from the elements is provided from the structure housing the use to which the parking is
appurtenant to a Metro Transit Station.
Required parking and standing space

A. Parking shall be provided for all uses in accordance with the following standards unless
specified otherwise in this or other sections of this zoning ordinance:
Minimum Parking Requirement
Use Types Additional Requirements
(spaces)
Household and group living uses
Constructed and For accessory dwellings pursuant
maintained in to §12.9.2:
Not fronting on cul-de-sac 1 per dwelling unit
accordance with 1. If no parking spaces exist prior
§14.3.3. to issuance of accessory
dwelling permit, 1 space shall
be created, provided, however,
where a parking survey
conducted by the County
determines that the block on
which the main dwelling is
Improved in located is less than 65%
One- and two-
accordance with parked, such new space is not
family dwellings
§14.3.4.A. required to be created.
Fronting on cul-de-sac 2 per dwelling unit constructed and 2. Where either 1 or 2 spaces
maintained in exist prior to issuance of the
accordance with accessory dwelling permit, all
§14.3.3. such space(s)shall be
maintained.
3. Where more than 2 spaces
exist prior to issuance of the
accessory dwelling permit, at
least two spaces shall be
maintained.
Additional parking spaces for visitors shall be located in
a clearly marked and designated common area
available to all visitors. Provided, however, that visitor
parking spaces may be included within the required two
2 per dwelling unit, and 1/5 additional
parking spaces per dwelling unit when at least 50
Townhouses and stacked one-family dwellings parking spaces per dwelling unit for
percent of parking spaces needed to meet the
visitors
requirement are located in a common area and are
available for either residents or visitors.
-Constructed and maintained in accordance with
§14.3.3.
Plus1 for each additional dwelling unit
1 & 1/8 for each of the first 200 dwelling
Dwellings, other than one- and two-family Constructed and maintained in accordance with
units in any structure
§14.3.3.
Establishments with sleeping accommodations
other than dwellings, including boarding or 1 per dwelling unit or guest room --
rooming houses, hotel or motels
1 space for homes with 6 or more children,
Family day care homes not in addition to any existing off-street --
parking.
Plus 1 space for each 2 employees (other than staff
Nursing homes 1 per 4 beds doctors), plus 1 space for each doctor assigned to the
staff.


(spaces)
Plus parking space(s) required for the principal
1 per guest room
Bed and Breakfasts residence. The County Board may modify parking
requirements for bed and breakfasts by use permit.
Public, Civic and Institutional uses
Notwithstanding other sections of this zoning
ordinance, required parking for churches may be
located on a parking lot which is accessory to another
principal use which is not open or operating on the
days of the week on which the church sanctuaries are
regularly used if said lot is either located within 600 feet
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and
1 per each 5 sanctuary seats by the shortest route of effective pedestrian access, or
temples
within 3/4 of one mile by the shortest route of effective
vehicular access, and regular and frequent shuttle bus
service is provided between the lot and the church
during any hours when the use for which the lot is
provided is not open and operating and the lot is open
to persons attending meetings at the church.
Colleges and Universities As determined by the County Board --
Community swimming pools 1 per each 40 sq. ft. of pool area --
Golf courses 40 per each standard 9 holes --
Plus 1 space for each 2 employees (other than staff
Hospitals, rest homes, sanitariums,
1 per 4 beds doctors), plus 1 space for each doctor assigned to the
convalescent homes & institutions
staff.
Intermediate care facilities 1 per each 3 dwelling units Plus 1per 3 employees, plus 1 per doctor
Libraries, museums and art galleries or studios 1 per each 500 sq. ft. of floor area --
1 per each 3 seats or other
Excluding religious
Public assembly & accommodations or other Computed on the basis of one accommodation for each
institutions, golf clubs and
club buildings accommodations for attendants or attendant or participant
community centers
participants
Plus 1 space for each 10 fixed seats, or other vantage
accommodation for spectators, for public assembly;
plus 1 per 50 sq. ft. of floor area for auditoriums,
High 1 per each 10 students of design capacity
multipurpose rooms, gymnasium or other facilities used
Schools for public assembly but having no fixed seating
arrangement specified
1 per each 7.5 students of design capacity Plus 1 space for each 40 students of design capacity
Elementary and middle
for employee parking for visitor parking
Day care uses Child care centers 1 per 10 children --
Retail and service commercial uses
Retail and service commercial uses other than 1 per each 250 sq. ft. of floor area on the Plus 1 per each 300 sq. ft. of floor area located
those specified below first floor of a building elsewhere in the building
Bowling alley 4 per each alley --
20 standing spaces for waiting vehicles for
Car wash Plus 1 per each two employees.
each wash rack
Drive-through banking & similar “drive-through 5 standing spaces for each teller or
--
service establishments customer window
Furniture & appliance stores, furniture repair
1 per each 400 sq. ft. of floor area --
shops
One space for each 400 sq. ft. of floor
area, plus such space as may be
Greenhouses and nurseries --
determined to be necessary as set forth
above


(spaces)
Athletic or health clubs 1 per 50 sq. ft. of gross floor area --
Indoor or outdoor recreation (as provided in
1 per 300 sq. ft. of indoor floor area or
§12.2.5.F) or entertainment facilities (as
outdoor area used for recreation or --
provided in §12.2.5.A), other than those
entertainment purposes
specifically listed in this §14.3.7
1 customer and 1 employee parking space
Vehicle sales, rental, or leasing facilities for each 1,200 sq. ft. of area, whether or --
not said area is enclosed.
Plus 1 per each 200 sq. ft. for next 10,000 sq. ft.;
1 per each 150 sq. ft. for first 5,000 sq. ft.
Offices or clinics, medical or dental Plus 1 per each 250 sq. feet for area in excess of
in each building
15,000 sq. ft.
Plus 1 per 300 sq. ft. of floor area located in the
1 per each 250 sq. ft. of floor area on the
Other office buildings basement or on the 2nd through 5th floors, plus 1 per
first floor
400 sq. ft. of floor area located above the fifth floor
1 per each 6 seats (in addition to all
Restaurants parking space provided for service to --
patrons while seated in automobiles).
Tennis, racquet and handball courts 3 per court --
1 per each 3 seats or other
Theaters, auditoriums and other commercial
accommodations, for attendants, --
places of public assembly
employees or participants
1 per 50 sq. ft. of chapel or parlor floor
Undertaking establishments, funeral parlors,
area, provided that there shall be no less --
mortuaries and funeral homes
than 20 spaces
3 standing spaces for each wash rack,
lubrication rack, repair bay or similar
Vehicle service establishments and vehicle
facility for the servicing or repair of Plus 1 per each employee.
body shops
vehicles, not including said rack or bay as
a space
Warehouse and freight movement, wholesale trade and manufacturing and production uses
Uses consisting of
manufacture, Excluding wholesale
1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area, or
processing associated with retail
1one space for each 2 employees, --
assembly, storage, uses, and distribution of
whichever is the greater
warehousing, products.
wholesale
Uses where at least 90 percent of the total
floor area is available to the general public for
the storage of items none of which is used for
1 per each 3,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area Plus1 for the resident manager;
its intended purpose during the period that it is
excluding residential floor area Plus 1 per each 2 employees
on the premises and is not associated with any
office, retail, industrial or other business
activity conducted on the premises
B. For uses not listed heretofore in this schedule of parking requirements, by the
interpretation of the zoning administrator, spaces shall be provided on the same basis as
required for the most similar listed use.
C. The County Board may, through Use Permit approval pursuant to §15.4, modify the
regulations set forth in §14.3.7, as follows:
1. Modify the number of parking spaces set forth in §14.3.7 and/or permit off-site
parking to be used for elementary, middle and high schools and for uses associated

with noncommercial recreation and community center buildings and grounds, where
the County Board finds that:
(a) Such modifications will preserve or create recreational facilities such as but not
limited to playing fields, open space, and playgrounds, located either within the
school development project or at approved off-site locations, through
incorporation of techniques that will reduce impervious surfaces, minimize grading,
preserve existing trees, or similar objectives; and
(b) A transportation demand management plan submitted by the applicant
demonstrates that the potential adverse impacts of parking demand and any
potential disruption of parking patterns within affected neighborhoods that could
result from the modification will be mitigated by utilizing available on-street
parking abutting the site, and through the implementation of measures such as,
but not limited to:
(1) Utilizing, by written agreement with another party in terms acceptable to
the County, off-street parking spaces at a site owned or controlled by that
same party; and/or
(2) Utilizing a managed or shared parking program at times when parking
demand is highest; and/or
(3) Implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies for
the use, and/or demonstrating that transit or other transportation options
exist that may offset parking demand.
2. Modify the number of off-street parking spaces and/or permit off-site parking to be
used for child care centers where the County Board finds that:
(a) For any reduction to the number of required off-street parking spaces, the child
care center has demonstrated the following:
(1) That sufficient parking and circulation for pick-up and drop-off of children
are maintained; and
(2) That the potential adverse impacts of parking demand and any potential
disruption of parking patterns within affected neighborhoods that could
result from the modification will be mitigated and implemented by
measures such as, but not limited to:
a. Utilizing a managed or shared parking program at times when parking
demand is highest; and/or
b. Implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies,
and/or demonstrating that transit or other transportation options exist
that may offset parking demand.
(b) For modifications to allow off-site parking, the child care enter has demonstrated
the following:
(1) Any off-site parking spaces owned or controlled by another party is
committed through a written parking agreement with that party in term
acceptable to the County;

§14.3.8 OFF-STREET LOADING
(2) Off-site parking shall not result in parking being unavailable for the primary
use of the site on which the parking is provided;
(3) That sufficient parking and circulation for pick-up and drop-off of children
are maintained; and
(4) Off-site parking shall be located near the child care center and accessible by
a reasonable walking path.
(c) Modified parking allowing a reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces
and/or permitting off-site parking is conveniently usable without causing
unreasonable:
(1) Hazard to pedestrians;
(2) Hazard to vehicular traffic;
(3) Traffic congestion;
vicinity;
(5) Detriment to the appropriate use of business property in the vicinity; or
3. Modify the number of required off-street parking spaces and/or permit off-site
parking for uses categorized as social services institutions, as specified in §12.2.4.J,
when the County Board finds that the potential adverse impacts associated with the
modification can be obviated through measures such as, but not limited to the
following:
(a) Utilizing a managed or shared parking program at times when parking demand is
highest;
(b) Implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, and/or
demonstrating that transit or other transportation options exist that may offset
parking demand;
(c) Demonstrating that off-street parking spaces at a nearby off-site location have
been secured through a written agreement with the owner or controlling party of
the off-site parking facility in terms acceptable to the County Board that shall not
result in parking being unavailable for the primary use of the off-site location; and,
(d) Demonstrating that the programmatic policies and operations of the social service
institution would reduce on-site parking demand below the level anticipated by the
amount of parking required in §14.3.7.
Off-street loading
Off-street loading spaces shall be provided for each use, as permitted in its respective
classification, in not less than the amounts set forth below for every building, or addition
thereto, and for all uses of land established or expanded:
A. All conditional uses
Sufficient space to provide on the lot for the use, as determined by the County Board, as
set forth above.

§14.4 OUTDOOR LIGHTING ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
§14.4.1 GENERAL
B. Multiple-family uses
More than 50 units, one loading space for each 200 units or fraction thereof.
C. Over 6,000 sq. ft. of space for offices and personal services establishments,
including prescription filling, out-patient clinics and schools, not adaptable
for the use of retail purposes
One loading space.
D. Over 3,000 sq. ft. of floor area designed or adaptable for retail business
purposes
One loading space; one additional space for more than 15,000 sq. ft.; one additional space
for more than 50,000 sq. ft.; and one additional space for each 100,000 sq. ft. of such floor
area.
E. For all wholesale and manufacturing uses
One loading space; one additional space for more than 15,000 sq. ft. of floor area and one
additional space for each 50,000 sq. ft. of such floor area.
§14.4. Outdoor Lighting

General
Exterior lighting of the premises of residential uses other than single-family detached dwellings
and for commercial or office uses shall be reasonably designed to provide for the safety of the
tenants and clientele in their use of the parking lot, walkways and entrance areas.
Parking areas and walkways

Parking areas and walkways which provide direct access from the entrance areas of the
dwelling units or office or commercial uses to the common parking areas shall be illuminated
by an average lighting standard per the "Illuminating Engineering Society of North. America,
Fifth Edition", providing not less than one footcandle of light at the surface during the hours of
darkness. Walkways which provide direct access from the entrance areas of the dwelling units
to service or recreational facilities shall be illuminated by an average lighting standard per the
"Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Fifth Edition," providing not less than one
footcandle of light at the surface during the hours of darkness that the facilities are available to
the tenants. Parking areas for commercial uses need not be illuminated when the businesses
are closed.
§14.5. Aircraft Landing Approach Area

No building meeting Federal Aviation Administration criteria for notice (§77.9 Construction or alteration
requiring notice) shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, structurally altered, enlarged or moved
per the requirements in 14 Code of Federal Regulations, part 77 pursuant to 49 U.S.C, Section 44718 as
amended, unless the zoning administrator shall have received a letter of clearance from the Federal
Aviation Agency.

ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS §14.6 OUTDOOR STORAGE AND DISPLAY
§14.6.1 MERCHANDISE IN SETBACKS
§14.6. Outdoor Storage and Display

Merchandise in setbacks
No merchandise shall be displayed nor business conducted between the back of the curb and
the building setback line unless directly associated with kiosk operations and located within the
kiosk or within two feet from the exterior wall of the kiosk. (For kiosk standards see §12.5.12)

§14.6 OUTDOOR STORAGE AND DISPLAY ARTICLE 14. SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
§14.6.1 MERCHANDISE IN SETBACKS

Article 15. Administration and Procedures
§15.1. Common Procedures
General
A. Procedures common to two or more applications are included in this section.
B. No excavation shall be commenced; no wall, structure, premises or land shall be used; no
wall, building or structure or part thereof shall be built, constructed or altered; nor shall
any building be moved; nor shall any regulated sign be erected, repaired or repainted until
application has been made and the proper approval or permit has been obtained from the
zoning administrator.
C. Other provisions of Arlington County ordinances or state or federal law may apply to some
permits and procedures. Applicants must comply with applicable provisions of this zoning
ordinance as well as with all applicable standards and permit requirements of other laws
or ordinances. Such additional permits and standards may include but are not necessarily
limited to:
1. Electrical permits;
2. Permits, encroachments or other approvals for any structure placed in a right-of-way.
Building permits
A. All applications for building permits shall be accompanied by accurate plot plans in
triplicate drawn to scale, showing the actual shape and dimensions of the lot to be built
upon, the exact sizes and locations on the lot of the structures and accessory structures
then existing, and the lines within which the proposed building or structure shall be
erected or altered, the existing and intended use of such structure or part thereof, the
number of dwelling or housing units the building is designed to accommodate, and such
other information with regard to the lot and neighboring lots as may be necessary to
determine and provide for the enforcement of this zoning ordinance.
B. In order to determine whether or not a permit should be issued under this section, the
zoning administrator in appropriate cases, may require that the application for a building
permit be accompanied by a topographic survey of the lot showing existing and proposed
grades.
Advertising (public notification)
A. All required advertising will be done in accordance with applicable law.

B. Notice of any application for zoning amendment, variance and use permit or site plan,
shall be given by posting one placard on the property for which said application has been
filed and posting the surrounding area with no less than four placards showing the
designation of the property together with the time and place of hearing.

§15.1 COMMON PROCEDURES ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.1.4 PROOF OF OWNERSHIP
Proof of ownership
A. Every applicant for an amendment, variance, use permit, use permit amendment, site plan
approval or site plan amendment, including a petitioner whose request was authorized on
the County Board's own motion, shall file with his application a complete disclosure of the
equitable ownership of the real estate to be affected including, in the case of corporate
ownership, the names of stockholders, officers and directors, and in any case the names
and addresses of all of the parties in interest, provided that the requirement of listing
names of stockholders, officers and directors shall not apply to a corporation whose stock
is traded on a national or local stock exchange and having more than 500 shareholders.
B. This §15.1.4 shall not apply to sign permits, which shall be allowed as provided in §15.8.
Fees
A. Fees
1. The County Board shall adopt a schedule of fees to be paid upon the filing of each
application, permit and inspection required by this zoning ordinance.
2. Each application or other request for any permit, inspection or subdivision plat
submitted for review for compliance with this zoning ordinance or site plan or use
permit conditions shall be accompanied by a fee in accordance with the schedule
adopted by the County Board.
B. Refunds
1. Refunds of Filing fees to applicants who have paid fees shall be provided upon written
request to the zoning administrator, only under the following circumstances and in
the amounts stated for the types of permits referenced below:
(a) Fifty percent of the amount of filing fees paid shall be refunded to the applicant
upon written withdrawal of site plan applications or site plan amendment
applications (other than administrative changes) within 90 days after submittal of
such application and prior to any public meeting of the Planning Commission or
committee thereof which meeting has the site plan application on its agenda;
(b) Fifty percent of the amount of filing fees paid shall be refunded to the applicant
upon written withdrawal of use permit applications (other than use permits
including new construction) prior to publication of notice of public hearing on such
application;
(c) Fifty percent of the amount of filing fees paid shall be refunded to the applicant
upon written withdrawal within of the following applications within 30 days after
submittal of the subject application, and prior to commencement of review by any
County staff person of such application:
(1) Applications for use permits involving new construction;
(2) Applications for administratively-reviewed Form Based Code developments;
(3) Applications for Board of Zoning Appeals use permits;
(4) Variance applications;

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.1 COMMON PROCEDURES
§15.1.6 SPECIAL SUBMITTALS FOR USE PERMIT AND SITE PLAN
(d) Seventy-five percent of the amount of the filing fees paid shall be refunded to the
applicant or reduced for the following applications if the subject application is
withdrawn prior to commencement of review by any County staff person:
(1) Applications for administrative change;
(2) All applications for Special General Land Use Plan (GLUP) Studies and Special
GLUP Study Plus projects except for Initial Special GLUP Study and Initial
Special GLUP Study Plus applications.
(3) All other permit applications not otherwise specifically referenced in this
§15.1.5
(e) All filing fees paid shall be refunded to the applicant upon written withdrawal of
any application for a certificate of occupancy prior to any visit by the County to the
subject property for the purpose of inspection;
2. All filing fees paid shall be refunded to the applicant for applications administratively
withdrawn by the zoning administrator after a finding that the application was
accepted in error.
Special submittals for use permit and site plan

A. Applicability
Every applicant who files an application for a site plan approval or a use permit, as defined
in Article 15, shall provide a completed LEED Scorecard or other comparable reporting
mechanism that is acceptable to the county manager as part of the site plan or use permit
application.
B. General
The applicant shall analyze the LEED credits for various components of sustainable design
and describe how and/or why each credit can or cannot be achieved.
C. Other information
The applicant shall also submit the following information with the application:
1. Plot and location map at a scale of one inch equals 25 feet;
2. Topographic map at a scale of one inch equals 25 feet with, at a minimum, two-foot
contour intervals, showing existing and proposed grades;
3. Amount impervious area on-site: existing and proposed;
4. Location and description of major trees six inches or greater caliper measured four
feet above grade;
5. Description of the project and potential activities within the project; and
6. Potential methods of minimizing adverse impacts, including their feasibility.
Interpretation and general administration

A. Other uses of the same general character as those listed in a particular classification may
be permitted in the mapped districts of that classification by the zoning administrator.
Any use so determined shall be regarded as a listed use and a log of all said
determinations shall be maintained as a part of the public records of the zoning

§15.2 CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.2.1 GENERAL
administrator. In no instance, however, shall a use be permitted in a district when said

use is first permitted in a classification which, in this zoning text, follows that for said
district.
B. The zoning administrator may provide a written statement of the current classification of
a property, the uses permitted in said classification, and verification of compliance with
the Zoning Ordinance.
§15.2. Certificates of Occupancy

General
Every certificate of occupancy shall state that the building or the proposed use of a building or
land complies with all provisions of law and of county ordinances and regulations. No
occupancy, or change of occupancy, use or change of use of any land
or building shall take place until a certificate of occupancy shall have Application
been issued by the zoning administrator. This provision shall include Submittal
a new building, an existing building which has been altered, a change
in ownership of buildings other than one- or two-family dwellings, a Sufficiency
conversion to condominiums or cooperatives, the use of vacant land, Review
a change in the use of land or of a building, change in a Staff
nonconforming use, and short term uses. Said certificate shall be Review
issued within 10 days after a written request for the same has been
made to the zoning administrator, provided it has been determined Final Action
that such occupancy, use, erection or alteration of such building or
land or part thereof has been completed in conformity with the
Certificates of occupancy types

A. Type i. Flat fees
Swimming pools; parking lots; vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities; accessory dwellings;
uses not elsewhere specified.
B. Type ii. Residential, commercial, office, hotel and industrial buildings
1. Master certificate of occupancy
A master certificate of occupancy (M.C.O.) shall be required for the entire building and
site work. Except for certificates for shell and core and partial occupancy, as defined
in subsections 2 and 3, below, no other certificate of occupancy is required if the
M.C.O. can be approved and issued prior to any occupancy of the building. A request
for a certificate for partial occupancy of a building may be made after the filing of the
applications for the M.C.O. and the certificates of occupancy described in subsection
2, below, have been issued, if applicable.
2. Shell and core certificate for elevator buildings
Prior to any approval of a request for a certificate for partial occupancy of any new
elevator building or a multiple-family dwelling with elevator(s) converting to
condominiums or a cooperative, the owner shall have filed a request for a master
certificate of occupancy and shall have been issued a certificate of occupancy for the
shell and core of the building. No shell and core certificate of occupancy shall be

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.2 CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
§15.2.2 CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY TYPES
issued until the building support systems such as the fire alarm system, elevators,
restrooms, ventilating system and exit-ways have been inspected and approved.
3. Certificate for partial occupancy
A request for a certificate for partial occupancy of a multiple-family dwelling or hotel
and tenant space for an office, commercial or industrial building may be made;
however, no certificate for partial occupancy shall be issued unless the space is
approved for occupancy and the master certificate of occupancy or the shell and core
certificates of occupancy for the building have been issued.
C. Type iii. Parking structures
Parking structures not associated with other uses.
D. Type iv. Activities and short-term activities of nonprofit organizations
County owned, operated and/or sponsored facilities and activities and short-term
activities of nonprofit organizations
E. Type v. Family day care homes
Family day care homes for one to 12 children.

§15.3 MAP AND TEXT AMENDMENTS ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.3.1 GENERAL
§15.3. Map and Text Amendments

General
The County Board may, from time to time on its own motion or on petition of the owner or
owners of property, after public notice and hearing, amend the requirements and districts
herein established. All changes and amendments shall be referred to the county Planning
Commission.
Review procedure
Every application by a property owner or contract owner for an Application
amendment shall be filed in writing with the zoning administrator Submittal
120 days before the public hearings; however, the County Board
may, on its own motion, schedule hearings for a date which is less Sufficiency
than 120 days from the date of filing of the application. When a Review
completed zoning amendment application is filed concurrently with
a completed site plan or major site plan amendment application,
Schedule
the zoning administrator shall notify, as required in Administrative Hearings Staff
Regulation 4.1 , the applicant that the public hearing for the
236F
Review
amendments will be concurrent with the hearing on the associated
site plan or site plan amendment. The date of filing of a complete
application shall be determined as set forth in §15.5, based on Recommendation
whether the requirements of §15.5, have been met. Public
hearings for changes and amendments that are proposed by the
County Board on its own motion for any property within the county Planning
Commission
may be held by the County Board at any meeting of the County Public Hearing
Board. Applications for rezoning of county property shall be filed
immediately after the County Board authorizes advertising of the
action unless the county manager has caused an application to be
filed prior to such time. Recommendation
Time lapse between similar applications

No application for any change of zoning of the same lot shall be County Board
considered by the County Board within a period of 360 days from Public Hearing
its last consideration by the County Board. This provision, however,
shall not impair the right of the County Board to propose a change
of zoning on its own motion.
Proffers Final Action
A. Purpose and authority

1. In order to encourage and facilitate the provision of
community facilities, including but not limited to space for a libraries, fire or police
stations, public schools facilities, post office facilities, community recreation or health
centers, nursing homes, convalescent homes, intermediate care facilities and other
housing facilities providing assisted living for the elderly, while maintaining existing
land use policies, the County Board may accept a limited proffer for such facilities
pursuant to Section 15.1-491 of the Virginia Code which restricts future development
of the subject property to the proffered development when the proffer provides that

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.3 MAP AND TEXT AMENDMENTS
§15.3.5 AMENDMENT MODIFICATIONS
if the subject property is not developed in accordance with the proffer within the time
specified, then the owner, applicant and successors or assigns stipulate that the
subject property may be rezoned to the previous zoning district, or to a category
stated in the proffer and accepted by the County Board, and that the conditions for
such rezoning shall be deemed to exist.
2. In order to facilitate the orderly development of sites with a site area of 50,000 sq. ft.
or greater when an application has been filed and the site is being considered for
rezoning to C-TH (§7.18), the County Board may accept a proffer meeting the
requirements of Section 15.1-491 of the Virginia Code for a plan of development
limited to a definition of the characteristics of the physical development of the site
including, as illustration and not limitation, the height, number of stories and gross
floor area of proposed buildings, and the exterior architectural design, including
materials, the design of windows, doors and roofs, and the location of garage, loading
and service access. Such proffers may restrict future development of the property to
the proffered development and provide that if the subject property is not developed
in accordance with the proffer within the time specified, then the owner, applicant
and successors or assigns stipulate that the subject property may be rezoned to the
previous zoning district, or to a category stated in the proffer and accepted by the
County Board, and that the conditions for such rezoning shall be deemed to exist.
B. County manager action
The county manager shall promulgate regulations for proffering conditions like those
described in §15.3.4.A above. Such regulations shall conform to the requirements of
Section 15.1-491 of the Virginia Code. (Ord. No. 87-13, 5-2-87; Ord. No. 89-26, 11-18-89)
Amendment modifications
Any amendment or amendments adopted by the County Board may be modified from the form
in which they were advertised within the limits necessary to relate properly such amendment
or amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance.

§15.4 USE PERMITS ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.4. USE PERMITS

Applicability
Use permits may be approved by the County Board for any of the special exceptions or
conditional uses for which a use permit is required by the provisions of this zoning ordinance.
Application requirements
A. Written application for a use permit shall be filed with the zoning administrator.
Applications for unified residential development approval shall comply with applicable
portion of Administrative Regulation 4.11 , unified residential
2371F1
development use permit approval procedure, as amended. The Application

time of the hearing shall be the first regular meeting of each Submittal
month, except the County Board may establish, on its own
motion, another time for the use permit hearing, which hearing Sufficiency
may be at any County Board meeting. Review Staff
Review
B. Every applicant for a use permit which would allow the
Schedule
construction of a new structures shall file with his application Hearing
information as defined in §15.1.4.
C. Every applicant for a use permit which would allow the
construction of: (1) a new structure; or (2) a parking area for
more than ten automobiles, shall file with his application
information as defined in §15.1.6.
Required findings Recommendation

The County Board shall find that after a duly advertised hearing that
the use will not:
County Board
A. Affect adversely the health or safety of persons residing or Public Hearing
working in the neighborhood of the proposed use;
B. Be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or
improvements in the neighborhood; and
C. Be in conflict with the purposes of the master plans of the Final Action
county.
Approval conditions
In granting any use permit the County Board shall designate such conditions in connection
therewith as will, in its opinion, assure that the use will conform to the foregoing requirements
and that such use will continue to do so.
Period of validity
Construction or operation shall be commenced within one year of date of issuance or the use
permit becomes void; provided, however, that in granting a use permit the County Board may
extend this period to up to three years upon its determination that additional time may be
needed to commence construction or operation. If after a use permit has been used and the
use for which the use permit was obtained is discontinued for more than one year, the use
permit becomes void.

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.5 SITE PLANS
§15.4.6 TIME LAPSE BETWEEN SIMILAR APPLICATIONS
Time lapse between similar applications

No application for a use permit for the same lot shall be considered by the County Board within
a period of 360 days from its last consideration. This provision, however, shall not impair the
right of the County Board to propose a use permit on its own motion.
Administrative change
The zoning administrator may approve minor modifications to approved use permits which
comply with the spirit of this zoning ordinance, the intent of the County Board in its approval of
the use permit and the general purpose of the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the
area.
§15.5. Site Plans

General
A use requiring site plan approval is a special exception use subject to the regulations in this
section. Every applicant for site plan approval shall file with his application a proposed site
plan in compliance with Administrative Regulation 4.1 , site plan approval, as amended.
238F
Application requirements Application

Submittal
Every application for a site plan approval or a major site plan
amendment shall be filed in writing with the zoning administrator a
minimum of 120 days before the public hearing; however, the Sufficiency
Review
County Board may, on its own motion, schedule hearings for a date
which is less than 120 days from the date of filing the application.
Schedule
Scheduling Hearings Staff
When a completed site plan or major site plan amendment is filed, Review
the zoning administrator shall notify, as required in Administrative
Regulation 4.1, the applicant of the scheduled date of the public Recommendation
hearing for the site plan or major site plan amendment, which date
will be up to 180 days after filing. The date of filing of a complete
application shall be determined as set forth in Administrative
Planning
Regulation 4.1, based on whether the requirements of Commission
Administrative Regulation 4.1, have been met. Public hearings for Public Hearing
site plans and major site plan amendments shall be the first
regularly scheduled County Board meeting of each month, except
the County Board may establish, on its own motion, another County Recommendation
Board meeting for the hearing. Public hearings for minor site plan
amendments shall be as required for use permits under §15.4.
Major site plan amendments, minor site plan amendments, and
County Board
administrative changes shall be defined as follows: Public Hearing
A. Major amendment
Any modification of the approved site plan which meets one or
more of the following criteria:
1. Principal use of the building would change in more than Final Action
five percent of the total floor area of the building.

§15.5 SITE PLANS ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.5.4 INFORMATION REQUIRED
2. Density would change by more than five percent of the total floor area of the building.
3. Building height would change by more than 12 feet.
4. Gross floor area of the first floor would change in more than 20 percent of the area of
the first floor.
5. Change in the site area which is used to calculate density.
6. Any change which the zoning administrator determines is similar in significance to the
above stated changes.
B. Minor amendment
Any modification of the approved plan which is not considered a major amendment and
which cannot be approved administratively is a minor amendment. The subdivision of
land involved in an approved site plan is a minor amendment, except, that if the following
criteria are met, such subdivision may be approved as an administrative change by the
zoning administrator:
1. Density allocation is consistent with the zoning and approved site plan;
2. Parking is consistent with the zoning and the approved site plan;
3. Public improvements are consistent with the zoning and approved site plan; and
4. Clear evidence exists that all conditions of the approved site plan have been met or
are bonded in a manner acceptable to the county manager.
C. Administrative change
Any minor modification of the approved site plan which complies with the spirit of this
zoning ordinance, the intent of the County Board in its approval of the site plan, and the
general purpose of the Comprehensive Plan for the development of the area.
Administrative changes may be approved by the zoning administrator.
Information required
Every applicant for a site plan approval shall file with his application information as defined in
§15.1.4.
Action by County Board

The County Board shall approve and accept a site plan if the County Board shall find that the
improvement and development proposed by the site plan:
A. Substantially complies with the character of master plans, officially approved
neighborhood or area development plans, and with the uses permitted and use
regulations of the district as set forth in this zoning ordinance or as the same may be
modified by the County Board as provided herein;
B. Functionally relates to other structures permitted in the district and will not be injurious
or detrimental to the property or improvements in the neighborhood; and
C. Is so designed and located that the public health, safety and welfare will be promoted and
protected.

§15.5.6 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Conditions of approval
In approving and accepting a site plan, the County Board may designate such conditions in
connection therewith as will, in its opinion, assure that the improvement and development will
conform to the foregoing requirements or modifications thereof, including but not limited to
provisions for protection of abutting property, and including property across the street, the
expiration of said site plan approval after a specified period of time, access and design for off-
street parking and loading, and provisions of space for community facilities; e.g., recreation and
open space, library and fire facilities, utilities, etc.
Modifications and transfers

A. Uses and regulations modified
The County Board may, in appropriate cases, modify the uses permitted and use
regulations in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the district taking into
consideration the following:
1. Provisions made for open space and other environmental amenities;
2. Grade, direction and intensity of traffic on streets in the area;
3. Relationship to existing or permitted uses and buildings abutting or across the street
from the subject property;
4. Particular dimensions, grade and orientation of the site;
5. Particular construction problems and techniques; and
6. The other provisions of §15.5.
B. Transfer of development rights
In approving and accepting a site plan, the County Board may, subject to such conditions
as the County Board may approve, permit the dedication of density or other rights to
develop, as determined by the County Board, from one or more parcels that are not the
subject of a particular site plan application to one or more parcels of property that are the
subject of that same site plan application for purposes of, among others, open space,
historic preservation, affordable housing, community recreation, and/or community
facilities. In considering the approval of such dedication, the County Board shall consider
the appropriateness of the dedicated density or other development rights at the proposed
location, and whether the dedication is consistent with this zoning ordinance, approved
land use policies and plans, and the public health, safety and welfare generally.
Affordable dwelling units for increased density within General Land Use
Plan
A. Applicability
1. In exchange for approval by the County Board of a site plan containing density equal
to or greater than 1.0 F.A.R., affordable dwelling units (ADUs), or optional
contributions to support ADUs in lieu thereof, shall be required in accordance with the
following provisions of this subsection.
2. The following provisions apply to site plan applications that are consistent with the
General Land Use Plan (GLUP). The provisions also apply to site plan applications that
include a rezoning application resulting in a use that was not permitted by-right under

§15.5.8 AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNITS FOR INCREASED DENSITY WITHIN GENERAL LAND USE PLAN
the prior zoning category provided that the newly permitted use is included within the
existing GLUP designation for the site.
3. Site plan amendment applications that result in the demolition and rebuilding of a site
plan project shall be subject to the requirements hereof at the time of
redevelopment. The applicable requirements shall apply only to density that is
replaced or rebuilt and any increased density. They shall not apply to rehabilitation or
renovation of development subject to site plan approval pursuant to §15.5 . 28F
B. Exception
Site plans containing less than 1.0 F.A.R. shall be exempt from the ADU requirements
hereof.
C. Options for meeting ADU requirements
Once a site plan has been approved, the site plan applicant must select one of the
following options for meeting the ADU requirements:
1. On-site units
Unless a different option is selected by the applicant, ADUs shall be provided on-site
as part of the site plan project, the total gross square footage of which shall be 5
percent of the GFA above 1.0 F.A.R.; or
2. Off-site nearby
ADUs shall be provided off-site near the site plan project, the total gross square
footage of which ADUs shall be 7.5 percent of the GFA of the site plan project above
1.0 F.A.R. For purposes of this subsection, near the site shall mean as follows: if the
site plan project is in a Metro station Area, the off-site units shall be within 0.5 miles
from any Metro station; if the site plan project is not in a Metro station Area, the off-
site units shall be within 0.5 miles of the project; or
3. Off-site elsewhere
ADUs shall be provided in locations in the county other than the locations provided for
subsections §14.6.1.C.1 and §14.6.1.C.2, above, the total gross square footage of
which ADUs shall be 10 percent of the GFA of the site plan project above 1.0 F.A.R.; or
4. Cash contribution
(a) The applicant shall make a cash contribution to the Affordable Housing Investment
Fund calculated as follows for each of the described tiers;
(1) $1.50 per square foot of GFA for first 1.0 F.A.R.
(2) $4.00 per square foot of GFA from 1.0 F.A.R. to 3.0 F.A.R. for residential
projects and $4.00 per square foot of all GFA above 1.0 F.A.R. in commercial
projects (including hotel and retail).
(3) $8.00 per square foot of GFA above 3.0 F.A.R. for residential projects.
(4) For mixed-use projects, cash contributions shall be calculated by applying
the proportionate amount of commercial and residential GFA to each tier.
(b) The cash contribution will be indexed to Consumer Price Index for Housing in the
Washington-Baltimore MSA as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and
adjusted annually, beginning January 2007. Revised amounts apply only to site

§15.5.9 AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNITS FOR HEIGHT AND DENSITY ABOVE GENERAL LAND USE PLAN
plans filed after the adjustment date. Amounts for the calculation of the cash
option are established at the time the site plan application is filed.
D. County manager action
The applicant’s plan for meeting the ADU requirements on-site or off-site must be
confirmed or approved by the county manager or his designee, and all necessary
documents executed, prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy. The
county manager or his designee will act on approval request within 30 days.
E. Provision for off-site ADUs
An applicant may submit a proposal for off-site ADUs that deviates from the requirements
above. Such proposals shall be reviewed by the housing commission which, after a public
hearing on the proposal, shall make a report of its review to the county manager. After
the housing commission’s consideration of the alternative plan, the county manager, or
his designee, may approve or reject it administratively. In the event that the plan is
rejected, the applicant may request that the County Board consider the alternative as a
site plan amendment.
F. Substitution of ADUs
On sites where the County Board has determined that there are other competing public
priorities identified in county plans, studies, policies, or other documents that are
addressed by the site plan application, the County Board may, at the time of site plan
approval, approve the total or partial substitution of the ADUs required hereunder.
G. Term
ADUs shall be committed for a 30-year term, affordable at 60 percent of the area median
income. ADUs must meet minimum habitability standards established by the county.
H. Proposals for change of GLUP designation
Site plan applications that include an application to change the GLUP designation of the
site may be subject to an affordable housing requirement in addition to the above ADU
requirement. Such affordable housing requirements shall be addressed separately in the
process of the County Board’s consideration of the approval of the site plan.
I. Proposals for elimination of existing affordable housing
Site plan applications that result in the elimination of existing affordable housing will
address replacement of the housing in the process of the County Board’s consideration of
the approval of the site plan.
J. Conflicts
In the event of conflict between the provisions of this §15.5 and any other, provisions of
this section shall control.
Affordable dwelling units for height and density above General Land Use
Plan
A. Affordable housing-residential
1. In considering the approval of a site plan including multiple-family, the County Board
may permit additional height and density as set forth below, providing the County
Board determines that a variety of housing units and design would result thereby.
Consideration of such design may include, but not be limited to, the provision of

§15.5.9 AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNITS FOR HEIGHT AND DENSITY ABOVE GENER AL LAND USE PLAN
family housing units, housing for the elderly, housing for households of low or
moderate income and such variety of design as provided by townhouse or terraced
construction in association with the high-rise development. The County Board may
approve additional height and/or residential density for low or moderate income
housing only where a proposed site plan project is in compliance with all of the
requirements specified below.
2. The application includes a low or moderate income housing plan that includes the
following information and any other items that are determined by the County Board
to be pertinent for that particular site plan:
(a) Number of total housing units provided under the site plan.
(b) Number of total housing units in the additional housing density.
(c) Number of low or moderate income housing units provided under the proposed
site plan.
(d) Income levels of targeted families for low or moderate income housing units.
(e) The proposed rents and guarantee of limits on future rent increases or sales prices
and the proposed affordability thereof for low or moderate income housing units.
(f) Marketing plan for the low or moderate income housing units.
(g) Location of low or moderate income housing units.
(h) Sizes of low or moderate income housing units.
(i) Bedroom counts of low or moderate income housing units.
(j) Amenities provided for low or moderate income households.
(k) Statement of consistency with County Board adopted housing policy, goals,
principles and relevant staff guidelines for the use of additional housing density.
3. Modification of building height
(a) In RA districts, except RA-H, RA4.8, and RA-H-3.2 districts, building heights shall not
be modified under this §15.5.9.A.3, except that where a project provides low or
moderate income housing, the County Board may approve a greater height, in
order to achieve tapering, where the proposed project is abutting or across the
street from a property for which the district regulations or the General Land Use
Plan designation allow, by site plan, a height greater than the proposed height.
(b) In C-2, C-3, and C-R districts, building heights shall not be modified under this
§15.5.9.A.3.
(c) Additional building heights approved under this §15.5.9.A.3 shall not exceed six
stories or 60 feet, whichever is smaller, above the height permitted in the district
regulations.
4. Guarantees
That adequate guarantees exist as to the continued availability of such units to
households of low or moderate income for a minimum of 30 years, or for such other
time period as may be approved by the County Board.

§15.5.10 MODIFICATION OF APPROVED SITE PLAN
5. New units approved by County Board

New low or moderate income housing units may be constructed either on-site or at
appropriate off-site locations approved by the County Board or may be provided by
means of in-lieu tax relief/rent supplement payments at levels approved by the
County Board. Such low or moderate income housing, which may be either new or
existing construction, may also be provided on abutting sites or on sites which abut
except for the existence of a public street.
B. Affordable housing-office
In considering the approval of a site plan, the County Board may permit additional office
density above the amount allowed by site plan in the district regulations, not to exceed
0.25 F.A.R. on the site, providing the County Board judges that low or moderate-income
housing being provided under the site plan is sufficient to justify the amount of the
additional density allowed. Under no circumstances shall this bonus exceed 10 percent of
the total gross floor area permitted without bonus under the site plan, nor shall additional
height be allowed.
C. Community facilities
In considering the approval of an office, motel, or multiple-family site plan, the County
Board may permit additional height, not to exceed three stories, and /or additional
density, not to exceed 0.25 floor area ratio (F.A.R.) in an office structure, or 10 percent in
a motel or multiple-family structure, providing the County Board judges that a
contribution to required community facilities has been provided. Consideration of such
facilities may include, but not be limited to, the provision of space for a library, fire or
police station, public school facility, public transit facility, or a community recreation or
health center. Such community facilities may be provided at appropriate off-site
locations.
D. Limitations on incentives
Under no circumstances shall any combination of the above incentives be interpreted to
allow additional height in excess of a maximum of six stories, or additional residential
density in excess of 25 percent, or additional .25 F.A.R. of office density above that
permitted by the applicable district.
Modification of approved site plan

After a site plan has been approved and accepted by the County Board, amendments to the
site plan which are consistent with the general purpose and intent of the district may be
considered. Deviation from an approved site plan, site plan amendment or administrative
change without the written approval of the zoning administrator or specific action by the
County Board shall, at the discretion of the County Board, void the plan and the County Board
may require the applicant to resubmit a new site plan for consideration by the County Board.
Clarendon Revitalization District

See §9.2for information on density increases in the Clarendon Revitalization District.

§15.6 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS; APPEALS AND VAR IANCES ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.6.1 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
§15.6. Board of Zoning Appeals; Appeals and Variances

Board of Zoning Appeals
There shall be a Board of Zoning Appeals as provided for and having the powers, functions and
responsibilities as described in the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Appeals
Every appeal from a determination of the zoning administrator and every application for a
variance shall be filed in writing with the zoning administrator.
Hearing date
The time of the public hearing is determined by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Variances Application
In addition to the above, Submittal
A. The Board of Zoning Appeals shall have authority to grant, upon

Sufficiency
such conditions and safeguards as it may determine, such Review Staff
variances from the ordinance as may be in harmony with its Review
general purpose and intent, so that the spirit of this zoning
Schedule
ordinance shall be observed, public safety and welfare secured, Hearing
and substantial justice done.
B. The Board of Zoning Appeals may permit the continuance of a
nonconforming use in a conforming building for periods of three
years beyond the three-year limitation contained in §16.3.1.B, if
it finds that:
1. Said nonconforming use is not detrimental to, and does not Recommendation
affect adversely, property abutting or across the street, by
reason of the nature of the use, generation of traffic, parking,
lighting, noise and similar factors;
Board of Zoning
2. No commercial display, lighting, advertising and wholesale or Appeals
Public Hearing
retail merchandising is carried on in connection with the
conduct of said nonconforming use; and
3. Such discontinuance shall work practical difficulty and undue
hardship upon the owner of said building. Final Action
Time limits
If any variance or use permit granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals
is not acted upon and put into effect within one year after the date of such grant, then the
variance shall be null and void and of no force and effect.
Use permits
A. Authority
The Board of Zoning Appeals may approve use permits that allow modifications of
placement requirement for structures on lots in the R-20, R-10, R-8, R-6, R-5, and R2-7
district where there is no option in this zoning ordinance to allow modification of

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.6 BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS; APPEALS AND VAR IANCES
§15.6.7 REQUIRED FINDINGS
requirements by the County Board, such as special exception use permits described in
§15.4 or site plans described in §15.5.
B. Conditions of approval
The Board of Zoning Appeals may impose conditions on the use permit that it deems
necessary in the public interest, including limiting duration of the use permit.
Required findings
The Board of Zoning Appeals shall not approve a use permit unless it finds that the proposal
will not:
A. Affect adversely the health or safety of persons residing in the neighborhood;
B. Be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the
neighborhood; and
C. Be in conflict with the purposes of the master plans and land use and zoning related
policies of the county.
Approval criteria
In determining whether the proposal will be detrimental to the public welfare, injurious to
property or improvements in the neighborhood or will adversely affect the health or safety of
persons residing in the neighborhood, the Board of Zoning Appeals shall consider whether the
modification will promote compatibility of development with the surrounding neighborhood
because the structure’s overall footprint size and placement are similar to the structures on the
properties surrounding the lot in question; and whether the modification will help preserve
natural land form, historical features and/or significant trees and foliage.

§15.7 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA) ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.7. Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA)

Applicability
A. Unless otherwise provided by adopted historic district design guidelines, after the
designation of an historic district, no exterior portion of any building or other structure
(including walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant features)
nor above ground utility structure nor any type of outdoor advertising sign shall be
erected, altered, restored, moved or demolished within such district until after an
application for a certificate of appropriateness (CoA) has been submitted to and approved,
in accordance with the provisions of this §15.7 as being architecturally or historically
compatible with the historic district, buildings, or structures
therein. Application
Submittal
B. The CoA must be issued prior to the issuance of a building
permit (or other permit granted for purposes of constructing
or altering structures). Sufficiency
Review Staff
C. A CoA shall be required regardless of whether or not a building Review
permit is required. Schedule
Hearing
Required findings for administrative approval
The Review Board may authorize its designee to issue certificates of
appropriateness that meet certain standards. Notwithstanding
provisions in this §15.7 to the contrary, the designee may
administratively issue a CoA where the historic district design
guidelines or the Review Board has specified:
Recommendation
A. Which properties are eligible for designee action;
B. The specific category of modifications for which the designee
may grant a CoA; and
Decision-making
C. The standards the designee must use in deciding whether to Body Public
Hearing
issue the CoA.
Scope of review
The Review Board or the County Board as applicable shall not
Final Action
consider interior arrangement as part of CoA review, and no action
shall be taken under this subsection except for the purpose of
preventing the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration,
moving or demolition of buildings, structures, appurtenant fixtures, outdoor advertising signs
or natural features in the historic district which would be incongruous with the historical
aspects of the district.
Setback modification permitted

As part of the certificate of appropriateness review process, the Review Board may find that
the proposed setback for buildings and structures is consistent with the existing streetscape
and historic district design guidelines even though such setback is inconsistent with the
requirements of the underlying zoning district. When the Review Board makes this finding, the

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.7 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA)
§15.7.5 TIME LIMITATIONS
zoning administrator shall grant a modification to the underlying setbacks, unless such
modification violates visual clearance requirements from §3.2.6.A.4.
Time limitations
Any CoA issued pursuant to this §15.7 shall expire 12 months from the date of approval if the
authorized work has not commenced if a building permit is not required. If a building permit is
required, it must be diligently pursued by the applicant after the CoA approval.
Application requirements
All applications for CoAs shall be submitted on forms specified by the county. When an initial
determination has been made that the application is complete, then the application shall be
forwarded to the Review Board, or County Board, as applicable. Additional information may be
requested as needed in order to complete the review.
Advertising
Prior to action on a CoA, the applicant and other persons shall be given an opportunity to be
heard at a public hearing after the following notices have been given:
A. A notice of the public hearing shall be published 10 days prior to the hearing date in a
newspaper having general circulation in the county;
B. Notice shall be sent by first class mail to owner(s) of the property which will be the subject
of the hearing and owner(s) of abutting property and property immediately across the
street from the affected property, including any property which lies in an adjoining
jurisdiction, at least 10 days prior to the public hearing;
C. The civic association representing the neighborhood where the affected property is
located shall be notified in writing at least seven days prior to the public hearing; and
D. One placard containing the public hearing notice shall be posted on the affected property
and no fewer than four placards shall be posted in the surrounding neighborhood at least
seven days prior to the public hearing. If any setback modifications are requested as part
of the CoA, that information should be included in all notices.
Signs requiring a CoA

For all signs for which a CoA is required, the Review Board, or the County Board, as applicable,
shall approve a CoA for a sign or modification of a sign in an historic district only if it finds that:
A. The size, scale and design of the sign shall be compatible with the size, scale and design of
the property, building or site upon which it is to be located;
B. The materials used in the sign shall be compatible with the period and style of the
property, building or site;
C. The lighting of the sign shall be consistent with the period and style of the property,
building, site or district, as applicable;
D. The location of the sign shall not obscure any significant architectural features of the
building or site; and
E. Installation of the sign shall not irreparably damage any cornice, ornament or similar
architectural detail and shall be the least damaging method feasible for the property,
building or site.

§15.7 CERTIFICATE OF APPROP RIATENESS (COA) ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.7.9 HISTORIC DISTRICT DE SIGN GUIDELINES
Historic district design guidelines

A. Historic district design guidelines shall be adopted and amended by the County Board.
B. The Review Board may approve minor updates to historic district design guidelines, except
for those APS-owned or ground-leased properties designated after January 1, 2016.
Historic district design guidelines shall not be created, amended, or updated except after a
public hearing.
C. The historic district design guidelines shall also describe which modifications, if any, can
be administratively approved, and shall provide specific standards for such approval (see
§15.7.2 for requirements).
D. The Review Board or the County Board in accordance with §15.7.13 shall utilize the
historic district design guidelines relevant to the specific historic district under
consideration in its review of any CoA and make a decision in accordance therewith. The
historic district design guidelines will guide and inform decisions with regard to CoAs.
E. All historic district design guidelines established, adopted, or amended by either the
County Board or the Review Board on or before May 22, 2010 shall be in full force and
effect, as though adopted by the County Board in a manner consistent with this zoning
ordinance, until such time as the County Board, or the Review Board in the case of minor
administrative amendments or updates, acts to amend them.
F. For districts without approved historic district design guidelines, The Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural
Landscapes, or The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology
Documentation shall be used to guide the CoA review process as amended.
Appeals
A. If the Review Board makes the findings called for in §15.7.2, or, after an appeal as
provided in §15.7.10.C, the County Board determines that the proposed construction,
reconstruction, alteration, moving or demolition is appropriate, it shall forthwith approve
such application and shall issue to the applicant a CoA.
B. If the Review Board or, after an appeal as provided in §15.7.10.C, the County Board
determines that a CoA should not be issued, it shall forthwith notify the applicant of such
determination, furnishing him a copy of the reasons therefore and the recommendations,
if any, as appearing in the records of the Review Board.
C. Any person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any final decision of the Review
Board, may, within 30 days after the final decision, have the right of appeal to the County
Board of Arlington County by filing a petition which shall stay the decision of the Review
Board pending the outcome of the appeal, provided that such a petition shall not stay a
decision which denies the right to raze or demolish a historic landmark, building or
structure. The County Board may reverse or modify, in whole or in part, any decision it
finds upon review to be contrary to law or that is arbitrary and constitutes an abuse of
discretion, or it may affirm the decision of the Review Board. The County Board may also
reverse or modify the decision of the Review Board where the decision is based upon
elements of the historic district design guidelines that were amended solely by the Review
Board after May 22, 2010 and the County Board finds that those elements are not

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.7 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA)
§15.7.11 RIGHT TO DEMOLISH OR RAZE
consistent with the purpose and intent of the County Board adopted historic district
design guidelines, or of the historic district designation.
D. Any person or persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any final decision of the County
Board may within 30 days after the final decision have the right to appeal to the Circuit
Court by filing a petition at law which shall stay the decision of the County Board pending
the outcome of the appeal, provided that such a petition shall not stay a decision which
denies the right to raze or demolish a historic building or structure within a historic
district. The Circuit Court may reverse or modify, in whole or in part, any decision it finds
upon review to be contrary to law or that is arbitrary and constitutes an abuse of
discretion, or it may affirm the decision of the County Board.
Right to demolish or raze

A. In addition to the right of appeal, the property owner shall have a right to demolish or
raze such building or structure in a historic district provided that:
1. The owner has applied for a CoA for such right and on appeal been denied such right
by the County Board;
2. The owner has, for the period of time set forth below at a price reasonably related to
fair market value, made a bona fide offer to sell such building or structure and the
land pertaining to it to the county or to any person, firm, corporation, government or
government agency, political subdivision or agency, which give reasonable assurance
that it is willing to preserve and restore the landmark, building or structure and the
land pertaining to it; and
3. No bona fide contract, binding on all parties to it, shall have been executed for the
sale of any such landmark, building or structure and the land pertaining to it, prior to
the expiration of the period of time set forth below.
B. No such offer to sell may be made more than one year after a final decision of the County
Board but no appeal to the Circuit Court from a decision of the County Board shall stay or
otherwise impair the right of such owner to offer for sale. After one year has passed from
any such final decision (which has not been appealed or has been affirmed) of the County
Board, the owner may renew his request.
C. The time schedule for offers to sell shall be as follows:
Offering Price Months
Less than $25,000 3
$25,000 or more and less than $40,000 4
$90,000 or more 12
D. Before making a bona fide offer to sell as provided for in this section, an owner shall first
file a statement with the county manager. The statement shall identify the property, state
the offering price, reference the property’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) identification
number, or similar identifying information from a listing in an equivalent, comparable, real
estate database system, the date the offer of sale is to begin and name and address of the
listing real estate agent, if any. The statement shall provide assurances that the building
or structure shall be maintained during the period of offering for sale. No time period set

§15.7 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (COA) ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.7.12 QUESTION AS TO PRICE
forth in the time schedule contained in §15.7.11.C shall begin to run until said statement
has been filed. Within five days of receipt of a statement, copies of the statement shall be
delivered to the Review Board members. If at any time the offering price of the property
increases, the owner shall re-file the statement with the county manager.
E. During this period, the county may negotiate with the owner or person in charge of the
historic district and other parties in an effort to find a means of preserving the property.
F. During this period, or at any time prior thereto following notice to the owner and where
such action is reasonably necessary or appropriate for the continued preservation of the
property, the County Board may enter into negotiations with the owner for the acquisition
by gift, purchase, exchange or otherwise of the property or any interest therein.
Question as to price
The fact that a building or structure has been offered for sale at a price reasonably related to
fair market value (FMV) may be questioned, provided that a petition in writing is filed with the
county manager within 15 days after the offer of sale has begun. The petition may be filed by
the Review Board, or a petition in writing signed by at least five persons owning real estate in
the vicinity of the property offered for sale. Alternatively, the county manager may do the
same within the same time frame. The county manager retains the discretion to accept or
reject the aforementioned petitions as grounds for initiating an appraisal process. Within 15
business days after the filing of a petition questioning the reasonableness of the sale price
offered, the county and the owner shall each give written notice to the other setting forth the
name and address of an appraiser licensed to perform appraisals in the Commonwealth of
Virginia (appraiser), selected by such party, who has agreed to act in such capacity to
determine whether the offering price of the property is reasonably related to the FMV of the
property. If either party shall fail to select an appraiser aforesaid, and such failure shall
continue for a period of 10 business days after receipt of written notice from the other party,
then the FMV shall be determined by the appraiser selected by the other party. When the
appraiser(s) have been selected, then each appraiser shall thereupon independently make
his/her determination of whether the offering price of the property is reasonably related to the
FMV of the property within 21 days. If the two appraisers’ disagree significantly as to their
determinations of the FMV of the property, then the two appraisers shall appoint a third
appraiser within 10 business days after the second of the two determinations described above
has been rendered. The third appraiser shall independently make his/her determination of
whether the offering price of the property is reasonably related to the FMV of the property
within 30 days after his/her appointment. Each party shall pay for the cost of its appraiser and
one-half of the cost of the third appraiser. The opinion of any two of the three appraisers shall
be final and binding. In the event the opinion is to the effect that the offer to sell the building
or structure is at a price reasonably related to its FMV, the owner may continue to offer the
property for sale pursuant to §15.7.11 through §15.7.11.C. In the event the opinion is to the
effect that the offer to sell the building or structure is not at a price reasonably related to its
FMV, the date of the offer to sell first established pursuant to §15.7.10.B shall be void and the
owner, if he wishes to take advantage of the right provided in said section, must re-file the
notice provided for above. Notwithstanding an adverse opinion by the appraisers if an owner
has entered into a binding contract as provided in §15.7.11.A.3 prior to the date the appraisers
have filed their report with the county manager, the price shall be deemed reasonably related
to the FMV, for the purposes of this contract.

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.8 SIGN PERMITS
§15.7.13 ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Arlington Public Schools historic districts

A. In historic districts designated after January 1, 2016, where the property is owned or
ground-leased by Arlington Public Schools (APS), the County Board shall be responsible for
reviewing and making decisions regarding CoA applications as provided in this §15.7.13.
The County Board shall render its decision after considering comments forwarded by the
Review Board, if any, regarding the architectural and historical appropriateness of the
proposed alterations.
B. When reviewing CoA applications for property owned or ground-leased by APS, the
County Board shall evaluate such applications in the context of the applicable historic
district design guidelines.
C. Historic district design guidelines referred to in §15.7.13.A shall specify those
modifications and additions which shall require a CoA.
D. In rendering its determination for a denial of a CoA, the County Board shall notify the
applicant of such determination, furnishing a copy of the reasons therefore and the
recommendations, if any, as appearing in the records.
§15.8. Sign Permits

Applicability Application
Submittal
A. A sign permit shall be obtained from the zoning administrator
before any sign requiring a permit is erected, placed or installed Sufficiency
(see §13.5, §13.6, §13.7, §13.9, §13.11 and §13.17 to determine Review
which signs require permits). Staff
Review
B. An application for a sign permit shall be signed by the applicant or
an officer or member thereof, and shall include evidence of consent
to the application by the owner of the building or property on which Final Action
the sign is proposed for installation; and if the project is the subject
of a comprehensive sign plan, the owner of the project or property
manager responsible for the project.
Application
A. Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by plans showing the area of the
sign, the size, and design proposed; the method of lighting, if any, showing that lighting
mechanisms are hidden to the extent practicable; and the exact location proposed for the
sign. If the sign will be placed on premises for which there is an approved comprehensive
sign plan, the application shall refer to the Plan and identify how the proposed sign
conforms with the Plan.
B. An application for a sign permit for a sign placed above a height of 40 feet that will be
lighted shall include a certification by an engineer or other qualified professional licensed
or practicing in Virginia that the installed sign will conform with the luminance standards
and other limitations on illumination set forth in §13.12.2. If a dimmed setting is used to
meet the compliance limit, the dimmed setting meeting the compliance limit shall be
measured, recorded and reported to the County prior to installation. The setting of the
dimming controller itself may be reconfirmed after installation.

§15.9 DENSITY CREDIT FOR P UBLIC DEDICATIONS ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES
§15.9.1 PUBLIC DEDICATION
C. An application for a sign permit for a sign with automatic changeable copy elements shall
include a certification by an engineer or other qualified professional licensed or practicing
in Virginia that the installed sign will conform with the luminance standards and other
limitations on illumination and operation set forth in §13.12.2 and §13.12.
D. An incomplete application for a sign permit shall be returned to the applicant within one
business day of its filing with notations or a checklist identifying what items are missing
from the application. If the certifications required by §15.8.2.B and §15.8.2.C, above, are
not provided by a Professional Engineer licensed in Virginia, the zoning administrator may
find that the application is incomplete and require that it be resubmitted with the
required certifications by a Professional Engineer.
E. A complete application for a permanent sign shall be approved or rejected within five
work days. Upon request, a statement of the reasons for denial of a sign permit shall be
provided within 30 days after rejection.
F. A complete application for a temporary sign that requires a permit shall be approved or
rejected within one business day of the receipt of a sign permit application. If the permit is
denied, the reason for the denial will be given orally, with a written reason provided
within five days, if requested.
§15.9. Density Credit for Public Dedications

Public dedication
When a parcel or portion thereof is needed by the county for a public purpose, including but
not limited to public street right-of-way, and there are no encumbrances, title restrictions, or
survey exceptions, to such parcel or portion thereof, which the County Board determines
would restrict, adversely affect, or interfere with the use of the lot for public purposes, density
credit may be granted by the County Board in conjunction with one of the following:
A. County Board approval of a rezoning or special exception and a dedication or conveyance
of a parcel or portion thereof for public purposes is part of such approval; or
B. County Board approval of a density credit, upon recommendation of the county manager,
when the County Board finds that the dedication of conveyance of a parcel or portion
thereof for public purposes will contribute to the implementation of County Board
approved plans, including by way of illustration and not limitation Sector Plans,
Revitalization Plans, Business and Community Conservation Projects, Transportation Plans
and Neighborhood Conservation Plans.
Approval criteria
Density credit determinations shall be based upon the following:
A. The parcel or portion thereof to be dedicated or conveyed for public purposes is found by
the County Board to be suitable in location, size, shape, condition and topography for such
public purposes and the County Board finds that there are no encumbrances, title
restrictions, or survey exceptions which would interfere with its use for such purpose or
any other; and

ARTICLE 15. ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES §15.9 DENSITY CREDIT FOR P UBLIC DEDICATIONS
§15.9.3 PLAT REQUIRED
B. The parcel or portion thereof to be dedicated or conveyed is in accordance with the

Comprehensive Plan. Where such proposed public use requires approval under Section
15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia, such approval shall be obtained prior to the granting of
credit under this section; and
C. The parcel or portion thereof for which density credit is granted will be based on the
square footage of land area dedicated or conveyed, and shall be dedicated or conveyed to
the County Board without monetary or other compensation except the granting of density
credit.
Plat required
Prior to a dedication or conveyance for public purposes, a plat showing the parcel or portion
thereof to be dedicated or conveyed to the County Board for public purposes, the lot or site to
which the density credit is to be granted and the appropriate appurtenant density allocation
shall be submitted to and approved by the county manager, or his designee. Such plat, and a
deed or other legally enforceable instrument acceptable to the county manager and
accomplishing an irrevocable dedication or conveyance to the county for public purposes, shall
be provided before any density credit may come into existence. Thereafter, any reallocation of
such density credit shall require the submission to and approval by the county manager, or his
designee, of a plat showing the elements listed above. In the event of such reallocation density
credit shall be reallocated in a manner proportional to the original allocation of density.
Costs
All costs of implementation of the approved density credit, including any necessary subdivision,
recording fees, or other costs, shall be borne by the owner of the lot or site to which the
density credit is appurtenant. Any property owner asserting that a density credit applies to his
property shall be responsible for establishing that such a density credit was approved by the
County Board.

Article 16. Nonconformities
§16.1. Nonconforming Lots
Lots in R districts
In the R-20, R-10, R-8, R-6, and R-5 districts, where a lot has less width and/or less area than
required in the subject district and was recorded under one ownership at the time of the
adoption of this ordinance (July 15, 1950), such lot may be occupied by any use permitted in
the respective districts.
§16.2. Nonconforming Buildings and Structures

Applicability
The provisions of this section shall apply to all nonconforming buildings and structures except
as otherwise expressly stated in this zoning ordinance.
Maintenance permitted
Nonconforming buildings or structures may be maintained, except as otherwise provided in
§16.2
Repairs, alterations
A. Repairs and alterations may be made to a nonconforming building or structure; provided,
that no structural alteration shall be made except those required by law or ordinance, or
as provided in §16.2. Repairs and alterations to a nonconforming dwelling, building or
structure not otherwise permitted under this Zoning Ordinance are prohibited, unless
approved under a use permit or variance pursuant to sections §15.6.4 and §15.6.6
B. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Ordinance, existing nonconforming
one- and two-family dwellings, and nonconforming accessory buildings and structures
located in the R and RA districts shall be permitted to make interior repairs and
alterations, whether structural or non-structural, provided the repair or alteration is
wholly contained within the existing exterior walls of the dwelling, building or structure.
Additions, enlargements, moving

A. A nonconforming building or structure shall not be added to or expanded in any manner
unless such building or structure, including such additions and expansions, is made to
conform to all the regulations of the district in which it is located.
B. A building or structure which does not comply with the height or lot area regulations shall
not be added to or expanded in any manner unless such addition or expansion conforms
to all the regulations of the district in which it is located; provided, that the total
aggregate floor area included in all such separate additions and expansions does not
exceed 50 percent of the floor area contained in the existing building or structure, as of
July 15, 1950.
C. A building or structure lacking sufficient automobile parking space in connection
therewith as required in §14.3 may be altered or expanded, provided additional

§16.2 NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES ARTICLE 16. NONCONFORMITIES
§16.2.5 RESTORATION OF DAMAGED BUILDING
automobile parking space is supplied to meet, for the entire building, requirements of
§14.3.
D. No nonconforming building or structure shall be moved in whole or in part to any other
location on the lot unless every portion of such building or structure is made to conform
to all the regulations of the district in which it is located.
E. The provisions of §16.2.4.A, §16.2.4.B, §16.2.4.C, and §16.2.4.D do not apply to existing
nonconforming one-family dwellings and nonconforming buildings or structures accessory
to one-family dwellings located in the R-5, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-20, and R2-7 districts. The
provisions of §16.2.4.A do not apply to existing nonconforming two-family dwellings and
nonconforming buildings or structures accessory to two-family dwellings located in the
R2-7 district. The additions or expansions permitted through §16.2.4.E shall comply with
all current provisions of this zoning ordinance, except as provided in §16.2.4.E.1.
1. Nonconforming one-family dwellings and two-family dwellings permitted to add on to
or expand pursuant to §16.2.4.E may construct, within applicable height limits, an
addition over an existing one-family or two-family dwelling encroaching on a required
setback or yard area provided there is no more of an encroachment into the required
setback or yard than that of the existing wall below it, and providing that new
construction may not take place over encroaching garages or porches.
Restoration of damaged building

A. A nonconforming residential or commercial building or structure which is damaged or
destroyed by fire, flood, wind, earthquake or other calamity or force majeure or the public
enemy may be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced to eliminate the nonconforming features or
reduce the nonconformity to the extent possible, without the need to obtain a variance
from the Board of Zoning Appeals as provided in §15.6.4 or use permit from the Board of
Zoning Appeals as provided in §15.6.6, and the occupancy or use of such building,
structure or part thereof, which existed at the time of such damage or destruction, may
be continued or resumed, or as provided by this section.
B. If a nonconforming residential or commercial building or structure is damaged or
destroyed by force majeure to the extent of more than fifty (50) percent of the building’s
value and cannot be repaired, rebuilt or replaced except to restore it to the original
nonconforming condition, the owner may restore it to the original nonconforming
condition.
C. Unless a nonconforming building or structure is repaired, rebuilt, or replaced within two
years of the date of the natural disaster or other force majeure, such building shall only be
repaired, rebuilt, or replaced in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.
However, if the nonconforming building or structure is in an area under a federal disaster
declaration and the building has been damaged or destroyed as a direct result of
conditions that gave rise to the declaration, then the owner shall have an additional two
(2) years within which to complete the repairs, rebuilding, or replacement.
D. Existing nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures shall
be permitted to be rebuilt within the building footprint and height and stories as they
existed prior to damage or destruction if structures are damaged or destroyed by fire,
wind, earthquake or other force majeure.

ARTICLE 16. NONCONFORMITIES §16.3 NONCONFORMING USES
§16.3.1 BUILDINGS
E. As used herein, “force majeure” shall mean any natural disaster or phenomena, including
a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake
or fire caused by lightning or wildfire or other accidental fire (accidental fire shall not
include arson committed under Va. Code Ann. §§18.2-77 or 18.2-80), or incidents of
terrorism or war.
§16.3. Nonconforming Uses

Buildings
A. Continuation and change of use
Except as otherwise provided in this section:
1. The nonconforming use of a building or structure, existing at the time this zoning
ordinance became effective, may be continued, provided that;
(a) The use of a nonconforming building or structure is not changed except to a use of
the same or more restricted classification; and
(b) The use of a nonconforming building or structure that has previously been changed
to a use of a more restricted classification is not thereafter changed to a use of a
less restricted classification; and
(c) The nonconforming use of buildings or structures that is continued only so long as
the then existing or a more restricted use continues and such use is not
discontinued for more than two years.
B. Expansion prohibited; discontinuance
A nonconforming use of a conforming building or structure (i.e., commercial use in a
dwelling, etc.) shall not be expanded or extended into any other portion of such
conforming building or structure, nor changed except to a conforming use. If such a
nonconforming use or portion thereof is discontinued or changed to a conforming use,
any future use of such building, structure or portion thereof shall be in conformity with
the regulations of the district in which such building or structure is located.
Nonconforming use of land

The nonconforming use of land (where no main building is involved), existing at the time this
zoning ordinance or its successor, became effective, may be continued, provided:
A. That no such nonconforming use of land shall in any way be expanded or extended either
on the same or adjoining property.
B. That no such nonconforming use of land or any portion thereof is discontinued or
changed, and if so, that any future use of such land shall be in conformity with the
C. That any sign, billboard, commercial advertising structure or statuary, which is lawfully
existing and maintained at the time this zoning ordinance became effective, may be
continued although such use does not conform with the provisions hereof.

§16.4 NONCONFORMING DUE TO RECLASSIFICATION ARTICLE 16. NONCONFORMITIES
§16.5.1 PURPOSES AND FINDINGS
§16.4. Nonconforming Due to Reclassification

The foregoing provisions of this section shall also apply to buildings, structures, land or uses which
hereafter become nonconforming due to any reclassification of districts under this zoning ordinance or
any subsequent change in the regulations of this zoning ordinance. Provided, however, that where a
period of years is specified in this section for the removal of nonconforming buildings, structures or
uses, said period shall be computed from the date of such reclassification or change.
§16.5. Nonconforming Due to Public Acquisition of Land

Purposes and findings
A. When, due to acquisition by the county of a portion of a lot for public purposes, either:
1. The use of the land, the lot, or a building or structure no longer complies with the
requirements of this zoning ordinance; or
2. An existing nonconforming use, building or structure becomes further noncompliant
with the requirements of this zoning ordinance; then,
B. Upon a finding by the County Board that the acquisition of the property will be in the
public interest and that the noncompliant conditions caused by the acquisition will not be
of substantial detriment to abutting property and the character of the district will not be
changed, then, subject to such conditions as the County Board may approve, the
provisions of §3.1.8.B.1, §3.2.3.B, §3.2.4.B, and §14.3.2 shall not apply to the acquisition
and the lot, use, building or structure rendered noncompliant by the acquisition shall be
treated as a nonconforming use or nonconforming building pursuant to the provisions of
this Article 16.
Limitation
The foregoing provisions shall apply only to the noncompliant conditions caused by acquisition
by the county, and under no circumstances shall the foregoing provisions be construed to
confer nonconforming status on any condition that was not created or furthered by acquisition
by the county.
§16.6. Condominium and Cooperative Conversion

Nonconforming land, buildings or structures
Whenever any land, buildings or structures or the use thereof are proposed to be converted to
condominiums or cooperatives and such land, buildings or structures do not conform to the
regulations of this zoning ordinance, then before such proposed conversion may take place, a
special exception use permit pursuant to §15.4 shall be obtained unless a variance of the
requirements of zoning or land use regulations which may be granted by the Board of Zoning
Appeals pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 15.1 of the Code of Virginia is, in fact, granted.
Special exception or variance

A request for such a special exception or variance filed after July 1, 1982 shall be granted if the
applicant can demonstrate that the continuance of any existing nonconformities, as proposed
by the conversion, is not likely to affect adversely the property or abutting properties, the
intention of the Comprehensive Plan, or the public welfare or safety.

Article 17. Violations, Enforcement and Penalties
§17.1. Violations
A. Any building erected or improvements constructed contrary to any of the provisions of
this zoning ordinance and any use of any building or land which is conducted, operated or
maintained in a manner that is not in compliance with any of the provisions of the
ordinance or in a manner not in compliance with any permit, detailed statement or plan
approved under the provisions of this zoning ordinance shall be and the same is hereby
declared to be unlawful.
B. It shall constitute a violation of this zoning ordinance for any person, firm or corporation,
either owner, agent or occupant, to do any of the things for which a permit is required by
this zoning ordinance without having first obtained the said permit; and any permit issued
upon a false statement of any fact which is material to the issuance thereof shall be void.
Whenever the fact of such false statement shall be established to the satisfaction of the
zoning administrator, he shall forthwith revoke the same, by notice in writing to be
delivered to the holder of the void permit upon the premises where the violation has
occurred, or, if such holder be not found there, by posting the said notice of revocation in
some conspicuous place upon the said premises. Any such person, firm or corporation
who shall proceed thereafter with such work or use without having obtained a new permit
in accordance with this zoning ordinance shall be deemed guilty of violation thereof.
C. It shall constitute a violation of this zoning ordinance for any person, firm or corporation,
either owner, agent or occupant, to disobey, neglect or refuse to comply with or resist the
enforcement of any of the provisions of this zoning ordinance. Each day upon which the
said violation shall continue shall constitute a separate violation.
§17.2. Enforcement
A. This zoning ordinance shall be enforced by the zoning administrator. No building or other
structure shall be erected, reconstructed, enlarged, moved or structurally altered without
an appropriate permit therefore, and no structure shall be used, and the use of any land
or building shall not be changed, without a certificate of occupancy therefore approved or
issued by the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall under no
circumstances approve or grant a permit or certificate of occupancy for the construction,
alteration, use or change of use of any building or land if the building or land as proposed
to be constructed, altered or used would be in violation of this zoning ordinance.
B. If the zoning administrator finds that any of the provisions of this zoning ordinance are
being violated, he shall notify in writing the person responsible for such violation,
indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. He
shall take any other action authorized by law to ensure compliance with, or to prevent
violation of, its provisions.
§17.3. Civil Penalties

A. Except in case of the violation of any provisions of this zoning ordinance listed in §17.3.3,
any violation of the provisions of this zoning ordinance shall be deemed a civil violation

§17.3 CIVIL PENALTIES ARTICLE 17. VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
§16.6.2 SPECIAL EXCEPTION OR VARIANCE
and, upon an admission of liability or finding of liability, the owner, lessee, tenant or agent
shall be subject to a civil penalty of $200 for the first violation. Any person who continues
to violate such provision of this zoning ordinance after the imposition of the first penalty,
shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500, or such lesser amount so that the
total amount of fines imposed will not exceed a total of $5,000 arising out of the same set
of facts, for each subsequent violation. No person shall be cited for a violation more than
once in any 10 day period, and no person shall be fined more than a total of $5,000 for all
violations arising out of the same set of facts.
B. Civil penalties shall be assessed only after a written violation notice has been issued to the
owner shown in the property tax records, which violation notice has provided a
reasonable period of time to correct, or in instances where corrective measures will take
time to complete, to commence and diligently pursue correction of the violation. Except
for good cause shown, a reasonable period of time shall be a minimum of 10 days. Civil
penalties shall be imposed by the issuance of a civil summons/ticket by the zoning
administrator or deputy. Any person served with a summons/ticket shall be informed of
his/her right to stand trial and of his/her responsibility to request within 30 days, said trial
in General District Court. Any person may waive his/her right to trial by appearing in
person or by mail and executing a Waiver of Trial and Admission of Liability and paying the
fine to the Treasurer of Arlington County, Virginia. Aggrieved persons also have the right
to appeal the violation Notice to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days of the date of
the violation notice. An aggrieved person may elect instead, at his/her option, to appeal a
ticket/summons to the Board of Zoning Appeals within 30 days of issuance, or within 10
days for those violations listed in §17.3.C, below. In the event a person served with a
violation notice and/or summons/ticket has, within 30 days of the date of violation notice
and/or summons/ticket, or within 10 days for those violations listed in §17.3.C, neither:
1. Requested a hearing date in General District Court; nor
2. Admitted liability and paid the fine; nor
3. Filed an appeal of the violation notice with the Board of Zoning Appeals, then the
determination of a violation shall be final and not subject to further appeal.
C. As provided for in the Code of Virginia the following violations shall have the right to
appeal a violation notice within 10 days of the date of issuance:
1. Parking of commercial trucks in residential districts.
2. Maximum occupancy limitation of a residential dwelling unit.
D. The demolition, razing or moving of a building or structure which is located in a historic
overlay district without the prior approval of the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review
Board (Review Board) and/or the County Board as provided in §15.7 shall be punishable
by civil penalty.
1. Such penalty shall not exceed twice the market value of the property as determined
by the assessed value of the property at the time of destruction or removal of the
building or structure, and shall include the value of any structure and the value of the
real property upon which any such structure was located.
2. Enforcement under the sections shall be by bringing an action in the name of the
county in Circuit Court by the county attorney, upon request of the zoning

ARTICLE 17. VIOLATIONS, ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES §17.4 CRIMINAL PENALTIES
administrator, and such action shall be brought against the party or parties deemed
responsible for such violation.
3. The remedies provided for in the sections are not exclusive and shall be in addition to
any other remedies provided by law.
§17.4. Criminal Penalties

It shall be unlawful and constitute a misdemeanor for any person, firm, corporation, owner, agent or
occupant to violate any of the provisions of this zoning ordinance, referenced in §17.4.A. It shall
furthermore, be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to cause or, with knowledge, permit such
action to be taken upon such person’s, firm’s or corporation’s behalf. For violations involving signs,
where a sign bears a name, phone number, address, website or other identifying information, there
shall be a rebuttable presumption that the person or entity bearing that name or controlling that phone
number, address or website was responsible for placing or installing the sign. Any person, firm,
corporation, owner, agent or occupant who is convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this
zoning ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $1,000. If the violation
is uncorrected at the time of conviction, the court shall order the violator to abate or remedy the
violation in compliance with this zoning ordinance within a time period established by the court. Failure
to remove or abate a zoning violation within the specified time period shall constitute a separate
misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $1,000, and any such
failure during any succeeding 10 day period shall constitute a separate misdemeanor offense for each 10
day period punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,500.
A. The following violations that shall be treated as criminal penalties are:
1. Any sign posted on public property or in public rights-of-way in contravention of this
zoning ordinance;
2. Any land development activity without applicable permit;
3. Any violation of the provisions of the ordinance that results in physical harm or injury
to any person.
B. When civil penalties total $5,000 or more, the violation may be prosecuted as a criminal
misdemeanor, as provided within the Code of Virginia. Treatment as criminal penalties
shall not preclude the zoning administrator from pursuing injunctive action.
C. The zoning administrator or his/her agent shall have all necessary authority to present
sworn testimony to a magistrate or court of competent jurisdiction and if such sworn
testimony establishes probable cause that a zoning ordinance violation has occurred,
request that the magistrate or court grant the zoning administrator or his/her agent an
inspection warrant to enable the zoning administrator or his/her agent to enter the
property and/or building for the purpose of determining whether violations of this zoning
ordinance exist. The zoning administrator or his/her agent shall make a reasonable effort
to obtain consent from the owner or tenant of the property and/or building prior to
pursuing the issuance of an inspection warrant.


Article 18. Definitions
§18.1. Word Usage
The word "used" includes "designed, intended or arranged to be used" and vice versa; words used in the
present tense include the future; words used in the singular number include the plural number and vice
versa; the word "building" includes the word "structure"; the word "dwelling" includes the word
"residence"; the word "lot" includes the word "plot"; and the word "shall" is mandatory and not
directory.
§18.2. General Terms Defined

For the purposes of this zoning ordinance certain terms and words used herein shall be defined and
interpreted as follows.
Abut or abutting: To physically touch or border upon; or to share a common property line or border.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, this definition does not include lots or parcels on the
opposite side of a street.
Accessory building. Same as "building, accessory."
Accessory dwelling. Same as “dwelling, accessory.”
Accessory homestay. See homestay, accessory.
Adult entertainment. Live performances by topless and/or bottomless dancers, strippers or similar
entertainers, characterized by the display or exposure of anatomical areas that are customarily
covered in public.
Adult use. 1) A use, whether private or open to the public, that features adult entertainment; or 2) Any
use, which, as its primary business, offers for sale any book, publication or film that depicts
nudity, or sexual conduct or that offers sexually-oriented services, including but not limited to
bath houses, massage parlors, wrestling parlors.
Aggregate sign area. Either, (1) the total area of all signs of a sign type, for which “yes” is included in the
“included in aggregate sign area,” line in §13.6 or §13.7, §13.8; (2) the sum total of the area of
all blade, wall and building signs allowed for retail or office tenants and buildings for properties
subject to Appendix A, Section VI.F; or (3) the sum total of the area of all blade, wall and building
signs for commerce, shopfront and office tenants, or townhouse, small apartment, urban mixed
use or urban residential buildings for properties subject to Appendix B, Section 611, whichever is
applicable for the property on which the sign is located.
Airport or aircraft landing field. Any landing area, runway or other facility designed, used or intended to
be used, either publicly or privately, by any person or persons for the landing and taking off of
aircraft, including passenger terminals, and all associated taxiways, aircraft storage and tie-
down areas, hangars and other necessary buildings and open spaces.
Alley. A public thoroughfare less than 30 feet wide that is usually used as a secondary means of
vehicular access to abutting lots and not intended for general traffic circulation.
Animal care facility. A place where animals are cared for, such as a veterinary care facility or animal
grooming facility, but not including businesses that meet the definition of kennel.

§18.2 GENERAL TERMS DEFINE D ARTICLE 18. DEFINITIONS
Apartment. A room or group of rooms used as a dwelling unit for one family, with facilities for preparing
food therein. See also "dwelling unit."
Application. An application is a document submitted to the county in an effort to obtain permission
under this zoning ordinance to proceed with a particular action. Examples of such actions
include, but are not limited to: site plan, use permit, variance, appeals, administrative changes,
and the like. Applications may include requests for buildability letters, zoning determinations,
second sink letters, accessory dwellings, family suites, etc.243F
APS. Arlington Public Schools.

Arcade sign. A sign that is suspended underneath an awning, canopy, marquee, overhang, or other
structural element of a building that forms a covered passageway for pedestrians. See §13.7.2
and §13.8.4.
Areaway. A sunken area affording access, air, or light to a basement door.
Art gallery or studio. Where objects of art are displayed for viewing, created (including the teaching of
both painting and sculpting, or similar activities), or displayed for sale.
Assisted living facility. A building or group of buildings designed for limited care and assistance of
ambulatory persons, with spouses or companions when applicable, but not including any facility
licensed as a nursing home or health care facility by the state. A facility providing assisted living
care but also licensed by the state as a nursing home or other health care facility shall be
considered a nursing home under the zoning ordinance.
Awning or canopy. An awning or canopy includes any structure made of fabric or other durable
material, metal or a frame attached to a building, and projecting therefrom, and may be carried
by frames supported at grade level.
Awning sign. A sign that is painted on or affixed to the surface of an awning.
Balcony. A cantilevered platform projecting from the wall of a building, with a railing along its outer
edge, often with access to the building from a door or window.
Banner. A sign of any kind applied to fabric or other flexible, durable material. Flags as defined herein
shall not be considered banners. (See §13.6.3, §13.7.4, §13.8.6, §13.9.2, §13.10.3, §13.10.4,
§13.16.2.C.1).
Basement. A story partly or wholly underground. For purposes of height measurement, a basement
shall be counted as a story where more than 1/2 of its height is above the average level of the
adjoining ground.
Bed and breakfast. A one-family dwelling containing five or fewer guest rooms available for overnight
accommodations which are rented at a daily rate and where meals are served only to guests.
(See also §12.5.3.)
Blade sign. A sign that is attached in a plane approximately perpendicular to the surface of a building or
other structure. See §13.7.4, §13.8.7, §13.10.5.
Boarding house or rooming house. A building other than a hotel or motel or bed and breakfast, where
for compensation on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, lodging or both lodging and meals are
provided for three or more, but not exceeding nine guests. Accessory homestay meeting the
requirements of §12.9.12 is not considered a boarding house or rooming house.

RETURN TO TABL E OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 18. DEFINITIONS §18.2 GENERAL TERMS DEFINED
Breezeway. An enclosed or unenclosed roofed passageway connecting two buildings or parts of a

building.
Buildable area. See §3.1.1.B.
Building. An enclosed structure anchored to its foundations and having exterior or party walls and a
roof, designed for the shelter of persons, animals or property. When divided by walls without
openings, each portion or section of such building shall be regarded as a separate building.
Building code. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, as it may be amended from time to time.
Building Tower Coverage. The gross floor area of the largest single floor above the fifth floor of a
building expressed as a percentage of a site’s buildable area. When applied across multiple
buildings, the numerator shall be the total arrived at by adding together the areas, for each
building, of the largest single floor above the fifth floor.
Building Tower Separation. The space between the portions of two buildings as measured above the
fifth floor, expressed as the shortest horizontal dimension between the exterior building
facades.
Bulk Plane Angle. An imaginary inclined plane rising over a lot, that begins at a specified height along a
build-to line and slopes back at a specified angle from horizontal over the lot, and which when
required, together with other bulk, coverage, and placement requirements for a specific district,
delineates the maximum bulk of any improvement which may be constructed on the lot. (See
also “Positioning the Bulk Plane” illustration in Map §7.16.10)
Building, accessory. A detached subordinate building, the use of which is clearly incidental to that of the
main building or to the use of the land. (See also §12.8)
Building group. Two or more buildings, including multiple dwellings, grouped upon a lot and held under
single ownership, such as universities, hospitals and institutions.
Building line. A line which delineates a required minimum yard of the lot. (See also §3.1.1.B.)
Building, main. A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is situated.
Building official. The building official for the County, appointed by the county manager, pursuant to the
Code of Virginia, to administer the building code.
Building, public, civic and institutional. A building in which the principal use is a public, civic and
institutional use, as defined in §12.2.4.
Build-to line. See §3.1.2.
By right. May be approved administratively in the respective zoning district subject to all other
applicable requirements of this zoning ordinance, including the specific use standards in Article
12 and site development standards of Article 13 and Article 14.
Canopy sign. A sign that is painted on or affixed to the flat vertical surface of or sits on top of a canopy.
Campground. Land used for occupancy by tents or recreational vehicles for temporary or
transient living purposes.
Caretaker residence. A dwelling unit used exclusively by the owner, manager or operator of a principal
permitted use that is located on the same lot or parcel as the principal use.

Car-sharing. A membership-based service available to the general public which provides access to a
dispersed fleet of vehicles intended for short-term use, for which members are charged based
on actual use as determined by time, mileage, or the like.
Certificate of appropriateness (CoA). See also §15.7. A certificate issued by the Historical Affairs and
Landmark Review Board, the County Board, or its designee, authorizing alteration, construction,
relocation, restoration, grading, or demolition of any building, sign, appurtenance, structure,
object, parcel of land or building located within a locally designated historic district and,
separately, properties governed by the Columbia Pike Form Based Code Ordinance.
Changeable copy sign. A sign that includes characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or
rearranged by mechanical, electronic or manual means without altering the face or surface of
the sign. A changeable copy sign that is lighted, has its light source either internal to or on the
surface of the sign.
Changeable copy sign, automatic. A sign that includes characters, letters, or illustrations that can be
changed or rearranged by electronic or electro-mechanical means. An automatic changeable
copy sign that is lighted, has its light source either internal to or on the surface of the sign.
Child care center. Any facility, but not including family day care homes, operated for the purpose of
providing non-medical care, protection, and guidance to two or more children separated from
their parents or guardians for less than a 24-hour period.
Circuit Court. The circuit court of Arlington County.
Clinic, medical or dental. Same as medical or dental office.
College and university. An educational institution or other institution of higher learning that offer
courses of general or specialized study leading to a degree.
Commercial message. A sign, wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names,
advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
Commercial vehicle. The following vehicles: (a) Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000
pounds or more; (b) Any vehicle designed to carry in excess of 16 passengers, including the
driver; (c) Any vehicle designed primarily to tow, transport, or carry motor vehicles; (d) Any
vehicle operated or used for rent or for hire for the transportation of passengers or as a
property carrier for compensation, other than taxicabs; (e) Any vehicle or trailer designed to sell
food or merchandise directly from the vehicle or trailer itself; and (f) Any tractor truck or
semitrailer; provided, however, the following shall not be considered commercial vehicles:
(1) Any vehicle owned by the United States Government, or the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a
political subdivision thereof and used solely for government purposes;
(2) Any farm tractor when located on property used for agricultural purposes;
(3) Any recreational vehicle when used by an individual solely for personal recreational purposes
and not for hire; and
(3) Any vehicle used exclusively for the transportation of persons to and from a school or
building whose principal use require an occupancy permit to house meeting rooms such as
community meeting buildings, lodges, and religious institutions, or activities related to the
school or the use requiring such occupancy permit. Terms used in this definition, which are
defined in Virginia Code § 46.2-100, shall have the meanings set forth in that Section.

Commercial vehicles shall be parked in accordance with §12.8.2.C, unless a use permit is
obtained in accordance with §15.4.
Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan of Arlington County, Virginia, as it may be amended from
time to time.
Convenience service area. See §12.9.5.
Comprehensive sign plan. A plan showing the size, location, materials, structure and placement of all
signs for which a permit is required that are associated with a development project.
Court. See §3.1.3.
Court, inner. See §3.1.3.
Court, outer. See §3.1.3.
Cul-de-sac. A local street with only one outlet and having an appropriate terminal for reversal of traffic
movement.
Curb grade. The elevation of the established curb in front of the building measured at the center of such
front. Where no curb grade has been established, the highway engineer shall establish such
curb grade or its equivalent for the purpose of the ordinance.
Day camp. A program temporarily operated or used for the entertainment, education, recreation,
religious instruction or activities, physical education, or health of children.
Deck. A flat unenclosed platform that is supported by posts.
Density credit. An amount of density assigned to a lot or site as permitted in §15.9, expressed as a
number of square feet of land area that may be used to calculate additional gross floor area
permitted on a lot or site when multiplied by the floor area ratio or units per acre permitted by
this zoning ordinance in the district for the lot or site.
Design capacity. The number of students a school is designed to accommodate, calculated by the same
formula used to calculate capacity for elementary, middle or high schools, respectively, shown
in the latest Capital Improvement Plan adopted by the Arlington County School Board as
referenced by Capital Improvement Plan adopted by the County Board at the time of
application. Seats added to any school site through the addition of relocatable structures shall
not count toward the school’s design capacity.
Development project. Property that is the subject of approval for development.
Directly facing. A sign shall not be considered to be directly facing another area if there is another
building or other obstruction of a height equal or greater to the height of the sign between the
sign and the facing area.
Dormer. An element of a building that projects from a pitched roof. A dormer may have a window or
louver for light or ventilation, and may be of a shed, gable or other design.
Dormitory. A residence, not operated for commercial gain, for groups who are associated with an
organization such as a school or a university, a religious order, a health care program or a
nonprofit, charitable, benevolent, educational or governmental agency providing shelter for
needy persons or persons who are recipients of the agency's charitable, benevolent, educational
or governmental activity; which institution customarily provides housing quarters with a single
kitchen and living area for the group and may include groups residing with one or more resident
counselor(s) or other staff person(s).

Duplex. Two attached dwelling units in a single structure on a single lot with dwelling units situated
either wholly or partially over or under the other dwelling unit. The building has all exterior
characteristics of a one-family attached dwelling, having a single front entrance or one front and
one side entrance on the first floor; provided an outside, enclosed stairway located parallel and
abutting the rear of the dwelling shall be permitted for direct access to the second floor level.
Dwelling, accessory. A complete independent dwelling unit, with kitchen and bath, designed, arranged,
used, or intended for occupancy by not more than three persons for living purposes and
meeting the standards of §12.9.2. and under the same ownership as the main dwelling on the
lot.
Dwelling or dwelling unit. A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy by
one family, which includes provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation,
including One-family detached; Semidetached; Duplex; Townhouse; Multiple-family building.
Dwelling, duplex. See duplex.
Dwelling, multiple-family. See Multiple-family.
Dwelling, one-family. See One-family detached.
Dwelling, semidetached. See semidetached.
Dwelling, townhouse. See Townhouse.
Dwelling, two-family. Two-family dwellings include semidetached and duplex dwellings.
Emergency services. Any service offered by any person, firm or corporation reasonably necessary to
preserve the health, safety and property of individuals or the community at large.
Enclosed. Any roofed-over structure or attachment to a structure is enclosed if sides (other than the
side or sides where a structure is attached to a main building) are more than 40 percent covered
by any material other than customary wire or mesh screening.
Establishment. A business or organization of any kind offering goods or services to the public; this
definition includes non-profit organizations.
Exterior Features. Exterior features include the architectural style, general design and general
arrangement of the entire exterior envelope of a building structure, site, or object, including the
kind and texture of the building material and the type and style of all windows, doors, light
fixtures, signs, and other appurtenant fixtures, and other natural features. In the case of signs,
"Exterior Features" shall be construed to mean the style, material, size and location of all such
signs.
Family: (a) An individual, or two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, or under
approved foster care; or
(b) A group of not more than four persons (including servants) whether or not related by blood
or marriage living together and sharing living areas in a dwelling unit; or
(c) A group of up to eight persons with mental illness, intellectual disability or developmental
disability who are residing with one or more resident counselor(s) or other staff person(s) in a
facility which is licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services of
the Commonwealth of Virginia. For the purposes of this zoning ordinance, mental illness and
developmental disability shall not include current illegal use of or addiction to a controlled
substance as defined in Section 54.1-3401 of the Code of Virginia or its successor; or (d) A group

of up to eight aged, infirm or disabled persons who are residing with one or more resident
counselor(s) or other staff person(s) in a facility licensed by the Virginia Department of Social
Services of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Family day care home. Any dwelling unit where 12 or fewer children under the age of 13, not related by
blood, adoption, or marriage to the person who resides in and maintains the home, are received
for care, protection, and guidance during only part of the 24-hour day, on a regular basis, when
at least one child receives care for compensation.
Family/caregiver suite. Not more than two rooms plus a bathroom and "efficiency" kitchen in a dwelling
that are designed, arranged, used or intended for occupancy by either not more than two
persons who are related by blood or marriage to the principal occupant of the dwelling or no
more than two persons who may be unrelated to the principal occupant of the dwelling, at least
one of whom provides care for one or more children of the principal occupant of the dwelling or
care for or assistance to one or more elder(s) or person(s) with disabilities who are occupant(s)
of the main dwelling.
Flag. A piece of cloth or other material affixed to a pole on two corners. See §13.5.2, §13.6.4,§13.7.5,
§13.8.8 and §13.10.6.
Flashing sign. A sign that incorporates the use of varying intensities or colors of light to attract
attention; a changeable copy sign that conforms with §13.12.2 shall not be considered a flashing
sign; a sign shall not be considered flashing because it uses automated or human-operated
technology to vary the light level to adjust to the ambient light level at different times of day.
Floor area ratio. See §3.1.5.
Food catering service. A business establishment that provides food or beverages or both, along with the
necessary accessories for serving these products for social, institutional or business events at
sites off the business establishment's premises. Food or beverages prepared for ordinary, in-
home meals or for individual, resident or guest consumption is not “catering” but when
delivered, it is a “food delivery service.”
Food delivery service. The preparation of food and beverages to fill orders from off the site where the
order is taken for delivery to off-site locations for customers as prepared and delivered.
Freestanding sign. A sign that is affixed to the ground, to a wall that is not part of a building, or to a
fence; freestanding signs include but are not necessarily limited to signs mounted on
monument-style foundations, on poles, or on fences or other approved accessory structures.
See §13.5.3, §13.6.5, §13.7.6, §13.8.9 and §13.10.7.
Frontage. All the property fronting on one side of a street between the two nearest intersecting streets,
or other natural barriers.
Grade, existing. The ground level or elevation at the outside of a building or elsewhere on a lot prior to
any grading or construction, as submitted to the Zoning Office on a grading plan certified by a
licensed surveyor, or where a grading plan is not required, as shown on the accepted elevation
drawings.
Grade, finished. The ground level or elevation at the outside of a building or elsewhere on a lot after
grading or construction, as shown on a grading plan certified by a licensed surveyor, or where a
grading plan is not required, as submitted to the Zoning Office on the accepted elevation
drawings. In the case of a sign, finished grade shall be the elevation of the ground at the site of
the sign or at the main entrance to the main building on the site, whichever is lower.

Gross floor area. See §3.1.1.C.

Gross parking area. The sum of the ground surface area actually used for parking spaces and the area of
the horizontal surface of the floor(s) of a building, measured from the exterior faces of exterior
walls, devoted to off-street parking, loading and maneuvering space including all corridors, air
shafts, elevators, stairwells and toilets incidental thereto, but not including area devoted to
permitted and accessory uses other than parking and loading.
Group home. A residential facility in which more than eight individuals with mental illness, intellectual
disability or developmental disability reside, with one or more resident counselors or other staff
persons; provided that, for purposes of this definition and the use of the term within the zoning
ordinance, “mental illness or developmental disability” shall not include current illegal use of or
addiction to a controlled substance as defined in Va. Code § 54.1-3401; all as provided in Va.
Code §15.2-2291.A.
Guest. Any non-family member who is invited to occupy a dwelling unit or accessory building by the
occupying family, without compensation, for not more than 30 days within one year. This
definition shall not apply to hotel or motel or guest room as defined in this zoning ordinance.
Guest house. See §12.9.10.
Guest room. A room with its own entrance, or with direct access to a common corridor, constituting
one hotel or motel unit, that is designed or intended for occupancy by one or more guests,
whether or not provision is made for cooking, and not including rooms that are part of
dormitories.
Height, building. See §3.1.6.
High-frequency Bus Route. A bus route with frequencies of 15 minutes or less during peak commuting
hours.
Historic district. A landmark, building, structure, property, land or area that is included within an overlay
district as established by ordinance adopted by the County Board in accordance with §11.3.
Such overlay district shall not have boundaries that extend farther than the property line of the
land pertaining to such district.
Historic district design guidelines. Those guidelines adopted by the County Board, pursuant to §11.3,
and intended to guide and inform decisions regarding CoAs within a locally designated historic
district.
Historic landmark. Those properties listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register, as established by the
Virginia Board of Historic Resources, and those properties established as historic landmarks by
the County Board on its own motion.
Home occupation. An accessory use conducted pursuant to §12.9.11, in or from a residential dwelling
or its accessory building by person(s) whose principal residence is on the premises. See also.
Homestay, accessory. A home occupation in which an owner(s) or tenant(s) of a dwelling unit who uses
such dwelling unit as his/her primary residence, rents to a lodger, either such dwelling unit, or
any portion thereof.
Hotel or motel. A building designed for transient occupancy containing ten or more guest rooms or
suites, providing living, sleeping and toilet facilities. Individual cooking facilities, a general
kitchen or a common dining room may be provided.
Hotel unit. Same as “guest room”.

Incidental sign. A small, noncommercial sign. Examples include but are not limited to signs that provide
information or directions that are necessary for the physical use of a property, such as warnings,
parking rules or way-finding information. See §13.5.4, §13.6.6, §13.7.7, §13.8.10 and §13.10.8.
Inoperative vehicle. Any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer which is not in
operating condition, or which for a period of 90 days or longer has been partially or totally
disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine, or other essential parts required
for operation of the vehicle. An inoperative vehicle shall also be considered a vehicle with an
observable condition which indicates a state such that it is economically impractical to make
such vehicle operative within a reasonable period of time, or which constitutes a health, fire or
safety hazard.
Junk. Worn-out and discarded material in general that may be turned into some use; odds and ends; old
iron or other metal, glass, paper, cordage, old bathroom fixtures, old rubber and old rubber
articles, or other waste or discarded material which may be treated or prepared so as to be
useful again in some form; rubbish of any kind, including but not limited to old rope, chairs, iron,
copper, parts of machinery, bottles, paper, rags; and parts of used automobiles having only a
salvage value.
Kennel. Any lot or premises on which four or more dogs, more than four months of age, are kept.
Kiosk. A free-standing structure which is: one-story, and that is neither more than 10 feet to the eaves
in height nor greater than 150 square feet in area; and constructed predominantly of materials
such as glass, wood, plastic, metal or fabric.
Landing. A platform between stairs or at the foot or head of stairs.
Landscaped beautification area. An area within the public right-of-way that is substantially landscaped
with flowers and/or other plantings. Areas of the public right-of-way landscaped with only trees
and/or grass shall not be considered landscaped beautification areas.
Large-format retail establishment. A building for which one certificate of occupancy is to be sought or
issued and that either occupies 50,000 square feet or more on any one level or provides 200 or
more parking spaces dedicated to one principal land use; including any building used for the sale
of any combination of food, merchandise, and/or personal and business services (personal and
business services include banks, dry-cleaning, laundry and laundromats, ticket agencies, hair
salons, shoe repair, watch repair, photo copying, fitness centers, and other uses that are similar
in character, as determined by the zoning administrator) for use or consumption by a purchaser.
A large-format retail sales establishment shall not be deemed to include vehicle sales, rental, or
leasing facilities or vehicle service establishment.
Large media screen: A wall-mounted automatic changeable copy sign larger than 12 square feet that
displays, on a video screen, either still, scrolling or moving images, including video, media
broadcasts and animation. Such images may be changed remotely through electronic means
and utilizes a series of grid lights, including cathode ray, light emitting diode display, plasma
screen, liquid crystal display, fiber optic, or other electronic media or technology, and meets the
requirements of §13.13.4.
Legible. A legible message is a message that can be read during daylight hours by a person between five
feet two inches and six feet tall, standing in the nearest public right-of-way, with eyesight
adequate to obtain a current Virginia driver’s license.

Limited access highway. A highway designed for through traffic over which abutters have no easement
or right of light, air or access to by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon such limited
access highway.
Linear foot of building frontage. See §13.19.
Live Entertainment. Any entertainment involving performances, or delivery of entertainment by one or
more persons, including but not limited to: musical ensembles, solo performers, deejays,
karaoke, comics/comedians, theatrical acts (when performed in a venue other than a theater)
and dancing. Live entertainment does not include piped-in background music, where no “live”
person is actively involved in the playing of the music.
Loading space. See §14.3.3.C Any off-street place available for the loading or unloading of goods and
having direct usable access to a street or alley.
Lodger. Any individual who contracts with an owner or tenant(s) of a dwelling unit, for compensation,
for not more than 30 days within one year. This definition shall not apply to hotel or motel or
guest room as defined in this zoning ordinance.
Lot. See §3.1.1.A.1.
Lot area, minimum. See §3.1.1.A.3.
Lot, corner. A lot, or portion thereof, not greater than 100 feet in width and situated at the intersection
of two or more streets, having an angle of intersection of not more than 135 degrees.
Lot, interior. A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, pipe-stem. A residential lot that has a “pipe” portion, which complies with the minimum
requirements for frontage, lot area, lot width, lot depth, and building placement in the zoning
and subdivision ordinances, and that has a narrower "stem" portion, which does not meet the
lot width requirement but provides the required frontage and access to a generally larger and
more buildable “pipe” portion of the lot.
Lot, through. An interior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
Lot coverage. See §3.1.4.A and §3.2.5.

Lot depth. See §3.1.7.
Lot frontage. Where a front lot line runs along a straight line along the street right-of-way line, lot
frontage shall be the front lot line. Where the front lot line includes an angle or curve along the

street right-of-way line, the lot frontage shall be a straight line connecting the points where the
two side lot lines meet the street right-of-way line.
Lot line. A line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or
private street or any other public or private space.
Lot line, front. The lot line, or combination of line segments, fronting a street or the legally required
access to the lot. On a corner lot, it is the shortest of those lot lines that front a street. Where a
corner lot has equal frontage on two or more streets, the front lot line is the lot line on that
street on which the greatest number of lots front within the block.
Lot line, rear. The lot line most distant from, and most nearly parallel to, the front lot line lot frontage.
In addition, the rear lot line shall comply with the following requirements: i) If the lot line that is
most distant from the front lot line is a different line from the lot line that is most nearly parallel
to the front lot line, then the rear lot line shall be the line whose use results in a greater lot
depth. Where two lot lines are equidistant from and equally parallel to the lot frontage, then
the point where those two lines intersect shall be used in place of the rear lot line midpoint to
measure lot depth. ii) Where two lines are equally distant from and equally parallel to the lot
frontage, both lines shall be used to establish the rear yard.
Lot line, side. Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line. Where two or more side lot lines are
adjoining, they shall be treated as segments of an entire side lot line.
Lot, split. A residential lot that is created under §3.2.4.C.1, Split-Lot Residential Development.
Lot, transitional. See "transitional site."
Lot width, minimum. See §3.1.8.
Low or moderate income. Income at or below 60 percent of median household income for rental
housing units, and at or below 80 percent of median household income for home ownership
program. As used herein, median household income shall be defined as determined from time-
to-time for the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
Main building footprint. See §3.1.4.A
Main building footprint coverage: §3.1.4.A.
Mechanical penthouse. A roof structure for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans
or similar equipment required to operate and maintain a building.
Median strip. A portion of the median that is surrounded by a continuous curb, or where no curb exists,
is bordered by a curb cut, street, street intersection, sidewalk, utility or planting strip.
Mixed use building. A building constructed to
accommodate more than one use
category, as identified in §12.2, such
as, but not limited to, ground floor
retail and upper-story residential or
office uses, or lower-story hotel and
upper-story residential uses.
Membership club or lodge. Any organization that is organized and operated solely for a social,
recreational, patriotic or fraternal purpose that is not open to the general public, but is open

only to the members of the organization and their bona fide guests. Membership club or lodge
does not include adult uses as defined in this section.
Motel. Same as hotel or motel.
Multiple-family. A building or portion
thereof, designed for occupancy by
three or more families living
independently of each other.
Nonconformity. See Article 16.

Nonconforming building. A building or structure or portion thereof lawfully existing at the time this
zoning ordinance became effective, that was designed, erected or structurally altered such that
it does not conform to the regulations of the district in which it is located.
Nonconforming sign. A sign that met all ordinance requirements at the time of installation or placement
but which, due to ordinance changes, does not comply with current requirements.
Nonconforming use. A use that lawfully occupied a building or land at the time this zoning ordinance
became effective and which does not conform with the use regulations of the district in which it
is located.
Nursing home. A facility licensed by the state as a health care facility for chronic or convalescent
patients or the aged or infirm in which three or more persons are received, kept or provided
with food, shelter and care, but not including hospitals, medical clinics or similar institutions
devoted primarily to the diagnosis and treatment of the sick or injured.
Office building. A building designed for or used as the offices of professional, commercial, religious,
private, public or semi-public persons or organizations, and where no goods, wares, or
merchandise are prepared or sold on the premises.
Office, government. Federal, state, or county offices, administrative, clerical or public services.
Office, medical or dental. A use providing outpatient consultation, diagnosis, therapeutic, preventative,
or corrective personal treatment services by doctors, dentists, or similar practitioners of medical
and healing arts for humans, licensed for such practice by the state. The term includes
outpatient clinics and outpatient emergency centers, but not overnight care or ambulance
receiving facilities.
One-family detached. A residential building containing one dwelling unit
designed for one family and located on a single lot with required
yards on all four sides.
On-site. Located on the property that is the subject of an application for development.
Open-air market. An outdoor market held on a regular basis, and at which groups of individual sellers
offer goods, new or used, for sale to the public. Open-air market shall not include garage sales
not held on a regular basis, outdoor display or sales associated with retail establishments that
are principally located in indoor facilities, or vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities. See also
§12.5.17

Outdoor café: An area that contains portable seating and tables, intended solely for the consumption of
food and beverages that are also included in the standard menu of the restaurant, outside the
exterior walls of a restaurant (excluding rooftops).
Outlot. A unit of land not usable as a building site and not meeting the requirements of this zoning
ordinance.
Overlay district. Overlay districts are “overlaid” upon other districts and the land so encumbered may
be used in a manner permitted in the underlying district only if and to the extent such use also
complies within the regulations contained therein.
Parking area, private. An off-street area of land, or space within a building, that is used for the parking
of motor vehicles used by persons at a site in order to use the land for the purposes for which
the parking is provided. Any parking required by this zoning ordinance shall be provided within
a private parking area, except that any parking in C or M district in excess of that required by
this zoning ordinance shall be considered to be a public parking area.
Parking area, public. An open off-street area of land or space within a building, other than a private
parking area, used for the parking of motor vehicles which is available for general public use.
Parking area, transitional. An off-street area of land which is a transitional site and which is used as a
private surface parking area.
Parking space. An off-street place (1) Available and useable for the parking of one motor vehicle; (2)
With a vertical clearance of not less than seven feet; and (3) Having usable access to a street or
alley.
Patio. A flat, unenclosed platform that rests on the ground.
Peak Commuting Hours. The hours between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 3:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. on Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Person in charge. The owner of a property or improvements thereon, as shown on the land records of
the clerk of the Circuit Court, and/or any other person having the ability to manage or control
the property or improvements, including a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of
rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, agent or any other person directly or indirectly in
control of an improvement or improvement parcel.
Public parking facility. As used in Article 13, a public parking facility is a garage that provides parking for
members of the general public, at a minimum, after business from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday and either all weekend or for at least 8 hours, in total, between 8:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Pop-up park. A short term use of land for open space and/or recreational purposes available to access
by the general public. See §12.10.
Porch. An unenclosed platform with columns or piers supporting a roof.
Portable sign. A durable sign not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building and designed to be
easily relocated; portable signs are not necessarily temporary signs for purposes of Article 13.
Projected image sign. A temporary sign that is produced from projected rays of light onto a wall or other
surface. The light source for a projected image sign is external to the surface on which the sign is
projected.

Recreational vehicle. A vehicle or vehicle trailer designed as temporary living quarters for recreational,
camping or travel use that has a body width less than eight feet and a body length of less than
30 feet. Recreational vehicles may have their own power, or be designed to be drawn or
mounted on an automotive vehicle. Recreational vehicle shall include motor homes, travel
trailers, truck campers, camping trailers, converted buses, house boats or other similar units
that meet the dimensions stated above as determined by the Administrator. A recreational
vehicle may or may not include an individual toilet and bath.
Recycling center. A place open to the public used for the processing, collection and transfer of
recyclable materials. Typical recyclable materials include glass, paper, plastic, cans, or other
source-separated, nonputrescible materials; other recyclable materials may include leaves,
wood chips, fill dirt, and other similar materials.
Remnant. See "outlot."
Responsible party. The owner or tenant, or an individual or business entity designated by the owner or
tenant, of a dwelling unit in which an accessory homestay is permitted, who is available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to and resolve issues and complaints that arise during all
times in which the dwelling unit is being used for an accessory homestay, so that a reasonably
prompt, in-person response can be made at the accessory homestay when necessary.
Restaurant. An establishment whose principal business is the sale of food and/or beverages using non-
disposable plates, containers and non-disposable eating utensils, to customers in a ready to
consume state, and whose principal method of operation includes one or both of the following
characteristics:
(1) Customers, normally provided with an individual menu, are served their foods and beverages
by a restaurant employee at the same table or counter at which food and beverages are
consumed; and/or
(2) A cafeteria-type operation where food and beverages generally are provided at a counter
consumed at a table within the restaurant building.
Restaurant, drive-through. Any restaurant constructed to sell, or which sells food and beverages to
customers who are in a motor vehicle. See also “restaurant, fast food”.
Restaurant, fast food. A restaurant where the principal business is the sale of food and/or beverages in
a ready-to-consume state for consumption and whose principal method of operation is
characterized by the service of food and/or beverages in disposable containers, to be consumed
either (1) Within the restaurant building; (2) Within a motor vehicle on the premises; or (3) Off-
premises as carry-out orders, including drive-through facilities. (See also §12.9.7)
Retail. See §12.2.5.G.
Review Board. The Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board.
School, elementary, middle and high. An institution that offers instructions in the several branches of
learning and study required to be taught in the public schools by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Self-service storage facility. See §12.5.25.

Semidetached. A residential building with two

attached dwelling units located on two
lots that share a common wall along the
lot line and where each dwelling unit has
its own external entrance.
Separately illuminated. A sign is separately
illuminated if it has any internal or surface lighting or if any form of lighting directed at the sign
serves no other purpose.
Setback. See §3.1.9 and §3.2.6.A.
Setback line. Either:
(a) a line parallel to the street line at a distance therefrom, equal to the required depth of the
front yard; or
(b) the setback required from any lot line which defines the buildable area of the lot. See
"building line."
Sign. Any word, numeral, figure, design, trademark, flag, pennant, twirler, light, display, banner, balloon
or other device of any kind which, whether singly or in any combination, is used to direct,
identify, or inform the public while viewing the same from outdoors.
Sign lighting, direct. A direct lighted sign shall mean a sign lighted internally or on the surface of the sign
itself.
Sign lighting, indirect. An indirect lighted sign shall mean a sign that is lighted from a source separate
from the sign.
Sidewalk sign. A temporary, self-supporting sign made of durable material and located on the sidewalk
in front of a use for which such a sign is allowed. See §13.7.10.
Stairs. A series of steps, or multiple series of steps that may be connected by landings.
Standing space. See §14.3.3.C.2.An off-street parking space for the temporary waiting in line of one
automobile for service or delivery of goods to the automobile or its occupants at another place
on the premises.
Step. A stair unit that consists of one tread (walking surface) and one riser.
Step-back. An area of a façade above the first floor of a building or structure that is located a set
distance further back from the façade or story below it.
Stoop. A raised platform that serves as an entrance to a building, may be roofed, has no supporting
posts and is not enclosed.
Stormwater planter. A structure designed to include a soil filter and vegetation such that it meets the
Virginia Stormwater Design Specifications and furthers the purposes of the stormwater
management requirements of the Arlington County Code.

Story. That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next
floor above it; or, if there be no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling
next above it.
Story, half. A story under a gable, hip or
gambrel roof, the wall plates of which,
on at least two opposite exterior walls,
are not more than two feet above the
floor of such story and if the roof has a
dormer, the dormer wall is set back at
least six inches from the front of the wall
or main wall below and the width of the
dormer is less than 50 percent of the
width of the roof.
Street. A public thoroughfare, 30 feet or more wide, including any public interest in land (e.g., fee or
easement) for street purposes. The side lines of such road, easement, or other right-of-way
shall be the street right-of-way line. This shall be the case even where fee title to land abutting
a street extends into the road, street easement, or other street right-of-way.
Street width. The horizontal distance between the side lines of a street, measured at right angles to the
side lines.
Structure. Anything constructed or erected that requires location on the ground or attached to
something having a location on the ground.
Structural alteration. Any change that would tend to prolong the life of the supporting members of a
building or a structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
Swimming pool, commercial. An artificial pool of water, including auxiliary structures, dressing and
locker rooms, toilets, showers and other areas that are operated for gain, including hotel pools.
Swimming pool, community. An artificial pool including auxiliary structures as dressing and locker
rooms, toilets, showers, as well as other areas and enclosures that are intended for the use of
the members and their guests using the pool, and which is operated by a community, nonprofit
group, but not including private swimming pools.
Swimming pool, private. An artificial pool of water located on the same lot as a one-family residence
intended only for the use of the occupants and guests.
Temporary sign. Any sign that may easily be moved or removed and that can feasibly be displayed for a
limited period of time in any one location.
Trade or commercial school. A use providing education or training in business, commerce, language, or
other similar activity or occupational pursuit, that neither meets the definition of home
occupation, college and university, nor fits within the educational institutions or office use
category.

Townhouse. One of a series of three or more

attached similar dwelling units, located on
separately-owned lots or on a single lot,
separated by common party walls without
openings extending from basement to
roof, and where each unit has its own
external entrance.
Transitional site. See §12.8. A lot or part thereof located in an R, S-3A or an RA district and lying within a
distance of 200 feet from the boundary of any C or M district when such lot or part thereof: (a)
Is abutting such boundary but not across any part of a street therefrom; and (b) Does not abut
at more than one lot line, a side lot line in an R, S-3A or RA district.
Trellis. A vertical frame supported only by posts placed in a single plane, supporting open latticework
and used as a screen or a support for growing vines or plants.
Umbrella sign. A sign painted on or affixed to the surface of an umbrella.
Upholstery shop. A use providing upholstering or upholstery repairs.
Urban regional shopping center. A building(s) or the portion of a building that includes a minimum of
500,000 square feet of retail, entertainment and food establishment uses configured in at least
two stories and that is not bisected by any street. An urban regional shopping center is
connected by at least one interior or exterior shared pathway fronted by retail, entertainment
and food establishment uses.
Urban regional shopping center façade. An exterior vertical plane, face, or side of an urban regional
shopping center building that contains a minimum of 50% retail, entertainment and food
establishment uses on each story. Neither articulations nor off-sets in the wall of less than five
feet shall be considered separate facades. An urban regional shopping center façade is either:
(1) Façade type A: an urban regional shopping Example of Façade Type A Example of Façade Type B
center façade(s) with a minimum of 50
percent fenestration on the ground story
and a minimum of 25 percent fenestration
on the remainder of the urban regional
shopping center façade; or
(2) Façade type B: an urban regional shopping
center façade(s) that does not qualify as
façade type A.
Use or use type. The purpose or activity for which land, or any structure thereon, is arranged, designed
or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
Use, principal. The use conducted a primary activity upon the lot on which it is located.
Use, short term. A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue the use upon
the expiration of the time.
Use, transitional. A use permitted only on a transitional site under the regulations for the district and
not permitted elsewhere in the district except on transitional sites, and subject to all other
regulations for the district. Vehicle body shop. Any premises where vehicle body work;
straightening of body parts; painting; welding; upholstering or other similar work is performed

on vehicles. Vehicle service establishment uses may be permitted as part of a vehicle body
shop, however, vehicle body shop shall not be deemed to include vehicle sales, rental or leasing
facilities, vehicle storage lots or automotive wrecking.
Vehicle sales, rental or leasing facility A facility for the sale, rental or display prior to sale or rental of
two or more automobiles, noncommercial trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or boats,
including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing. Typical uses include new and used car
dealerships, motorcycle dealerships, and boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle dealerships.
Vehicle service establishment. Any premises where the following or other similar activities are
conducted:
(a) sales of vehicle fuel and oil at retail direct to the customer;
(b) tire sales, servicing and repair, but not recapping or regrooving;
(c) routine vehicle maintenance, including but not limited to greasing, lubrication, and radiator
flushing, and replacement of parts, including but not limited to spark plugs, mufflers, windshield
wipers and the like, and sales of related vehicle parts;
(d) mechanical and electrical repairs, including but not limited to servicing and replacement of
motors, drive trains, and related parts, as well as vehicle air conditioning, and sales of related
vehicle parts; emissions and safety inspections;
(e) after-market installation and sale of items such as vehicle audio or security systems, but not
body work;
(f) sales of beverages, snack foods, and other retail merchandise as an accessory use. The area
devoted to retail merchandise sales shall not exceed 400 sq. ft. of gross floor area, which shall
include the cashier’s area and space used for the display of sale items, to include cooler space,
but not to include storage areas. Vehicle service establishment uses shall not include vehicle
body shop; vehicle sales, rental or leasing facilities; vehicle storage lots; or automotive wrecking.
Vehicle storage lot. Any land or building where two or more wrecked, abandoned, impounded or new
vehicles of any kind are stored prior to repair, disposal, claim or sale, but does not include the
repair, wrecking, dismantling or salvaging of said vehicles or their parts.
Veterinary clinic. A type of animal care facility where animals are provided with preventative care
and/or treated for illness or disease, that does not meet the definition of kennel.
Wall sign. Any sign that is affixed directly to or suspended from a wall, marquee, mansard wall, or
parapet wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to
and projecting no more than 18 inches from the face of the wall. A wall sign may be either of
one-piece construction or of individual connected or related letters or symbols. See §13.6.10,
§13.7.13, §13.8.15, §13.9.5, and §13.10.11.
Window sign. Any permanent or temporary sign, including any decal, that is legible from the outside,
including plazas, public streets, and parking lots, and that is placed on the outside or inside face
of a window or mounted within two feet of the inside face of the window. See §13.6.11, 0,
§13.8.16, and §13.10.12.
Window well. A sunken area affording access, air, or light to a basement window.
Wrecking or salvage yard. The dismantling or wrecking of used vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale
or dumping of junk and/or dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or
their parts.

Yard. See §3.1.9.

Yard, front. See §3.1.9.
Yard, rear. See §3.1.9.
Yard, side. See §3.1.9.
Yard, required. The open space required between a lot line and the buildable area of a lot, within which
no structure shall be located except as provided in this zoning ordinance. See also “setback”.
Zoning administrator. The person appointed by the county manager to enforce and carry out duties as
set out in this zoning ordinance. The zoning administrator may appoint deputies and assistants
as are authorized from time to time by the county manager.

INDEX
Accessory Dwellings, 12-38 Courthouses, Jails, and County Government
Adult Book Stores Administration Building, 4-10
use standards for, 12-24 Coverage, 3-9
Advertising lot, 3-2
public notification, 15-1 main building footprint, 3-3
requirements for certificate of one family dwellings in R districts, 3-9
appropriateness, 15-19 Curbs
Affordable Dwelling Units curb cuts, 14-11
density, 15-11 delineation, 14-10
density in MU-VS district, 7-24 Density
height and density increases, 15-13 credits for public dedications, 15-24
Aircraft Landing Approach Area, 14-19 increased for affordable housing, 15-13
Amateur Radio Antennas, 12-40 Density Credit
Animal Care Facilities defined, 18-5
use standards for, 12-24 Design Guidelines
Appeals, 15-16 for historic district, 15-20
Bed and Breakfasts Drug Stores
use standards for, 12-25 use standards for, 12-26
Build-to-line Dry Cleaners, Laundry and Laundromats
establishment of, 3-1 use standards for, 12-26
Bulk, Coverage and Placement, 3-7 Dry-cleaning Plants
Caretaker Residence, 12-19 use standards for, 12-34
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), 15-18 Dwellings, Townhouse and Semidetached and
Certificates of Occupancy, 15-4 Existing One-family Dwelling Units, 12-19
Clarendon Revitalization District, 9-2 Dwellings, Two-family (Semidetached and Duplex
building preservation map, 9-14 Dwellings), 5-15
build-to lines, 9-16 Enforcement, 17-1
frontage types map, 9-17 Family/Caregiver Suites, 12-42
maximum height map, 9-11 Farming, Livestock and Poultry Raising, and
receiving sites map, 9-13 Agricultural Uses, 12-36
step-backs map, 9-18 Fees
streetscapes map, 9-15 costs associated with density credits, 15-25
Floor Area Ratio, 3-3
use mix map, 9-12
Florist or Gift Shop
Cleaning and Laundering Establishments in the C-2
District, 7-60
use standards for, 12-26
Columbia-Pike Form Based Code District, 11-1 Fuel Stations
Commercial Parking use standards for, 12-32
use standards for, 12-25 Grocery Delivery, 12-26
Commercial Vehicle Parking, 12-41 Grocery Stores
Common Areas, 14-1 use standards for, 12-26
Common Procedures, 15-1 Grocery Stores, Convenience
Condominium and Cooperative Conversion, 16-4 use standards for, 12-26
Conflicting Provisions, 1-1 Gross Floor Area, 3-1
Continuation of Nonconforming Use Guest House, 12-43
variance for conforming building, 15-16 Height, 3-3
Convenience Service Areas, 12-41 building, 3-3
Court, 3-2 exceptions, 3-5
inner, 3-2 maximum, 3-8
minimum dimensions, 3-15 measurement in all other districts, 3-4

Arlington County, Virginia 18-XX
INDEX
measurement in R districts, 3-4 districts, 12-37

Height, Maximum Membership Clubs and Lodges
increased for affordable housing, 15-13 use standards for, 12-29
Historic District Merchandise in Setbacks, 14-19
demolishing or razing in, 15-21 Mix of Residential, Office, Retail, Hotel in the R2-7
design guidelines for, 15-20 District, 7-24
Historic Preservation Overlay District, 11-7 Mortuary or Funeral Homes, 12-29
Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board, 11-7 use standards for, 12-29
establishment and composition, 11-7 Multiple Building Projects
Home Occupation, 12-43 setbacks for, 3-15
Hospitals for Clinics Nauck Village Center, 10-5
use standards for, 12-22 Nonconforming Buildings, 16-1
Hospitals or Sanitariums, 12-22 Nonconforming Due to Public Acquisition, 16-4
Hotels Nonconforming Due to Reclassification, 16-4
use standards for, 12-26 Nonconforming Use of Buildings, 16-3
Hotels in the C-O-A District, 7-44 Nonconforming Use of Land, 16-3
Indoor Only or Screened Uses (Industrial), 12-34, 12- Nurseries, Flower or Plant Store
35 use standards for, 12-29
Indoor Uses Only (Industrial), 12-24, 12-32, 12-35 Office and Commercial Uses
Institutional Homes, 12-20 modification of parking requirements, 14-15
Kiosks Office, Commercial Uses Including Retail and Service
use standards for, 12-27 Commercial Uses in the C-O-2.5 District, 7-37
Landscaping, 14-1 Office, Commercial, Institutional, Apartment or Hotel
in the C-1 district, 7-22 in the C-O-1.0 District, 7-33
Office, Hotel, Multiple-Family Dwelling and
in the C-1-0 district, 7-31
Commercial Development in the C-O District, 7-39
in the C-1-R district, 7-20 Offices of Doctors, Physicians, Dentists or
in the C-2 district, 7-61 Psychologists, 12-37
in the C-3 district, 7-66 Offices of Medical Doctors, Physicians, Dentists or
in the CM district, 8-7 Psychologists in Existing Institutional Structures,
in the C-R district, 7-69 12-29
in the MU-VS district, 7-28 Offices of Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists or
in the R15-T district, 5-19 Psychologists on Transitional Sites Which Abut C-
in the R2-7 district, 5-23 2, CM or M Districts, 12-37
maintenance, 14-3, 14-4 Offices, Medical
parking areas, 14-3 use standards for, 12-29, 12-37
Open Air Markets
plans for, 14-2
plant materials, 14-2
Outdoor cafés or service areas
screening, 14-4
LEED Scorecard, 15-3
Outdoor Lighting, 14-19
Live entertainment
of parking lots, 14-10
Lot Area, 3-1
of swimming pools, 12-23
minimum, 3-8 of vehicle dealership, sales and rental lots, 12-
Lot Depth, 3-5 33
Lot Width, 3-5 parking areas and walkways, 14-19
minimum, 3-8 Outdoor Storage and Display, 14-19
Low and Moderate Income Housing, 12-20 Parking and Loading, 14-4
Main Building Footprint, 3-3 access and maneuverability, 14-7
Map and Text Amendments, 15-6 access to, 14-8
Medical or Dental Clinics Abutting C-2, CM or M compact cars, 14-7

Arlington County, Virginia 18-XXI
INDEX
computation of requirements, 14-11 Restaurants, General

conversion of, 14-8 use standards for, 12-31
dimensions for, 14-6 Schools, Elementary, Middle and High
encroachment into, 14-9 use standards for, 12-23
general requirements, 14-5 Screening Requirements, 14-4
in Metro station areas, 14-11 Self-service Storage
in the C-3 district, 7-66 use standards for, 12-31
Setbacks
in the CM district, 8-7
for multiple building projects, 3-15
in the C-O district, 7-40
front yard, 3-9
in the C-O Rosslyn district, 7-47
projections allowed into yards and courts, 3-
in the C-O-A district, 7-44
11
in the C-R district, 7-69
side and rear yards, 3-10
in the MU-VS district, 7-28
Setbacks (Required Yards)
in the R15-T district, 5-19
permitted projections into, 3-11
in the R7-16 district, 6-13 Sidewalks
in the RA4.8 district, 7-10 relative to required parking, 14-10
in the RA-H-3.2 district, 7-18 Sign area
lighting of, 14-11, 14-19 aggregate requirements, 13-62
loading requirements, 14-18 measurement of individual signs, 13-63
location for other district uses, 14-5 Sign height
location for R or RA district uses, 14-5 measurement of, 13-63
location relative to setbacks, 14-8 Sign Height, 13-63
management by homeowners’ association, Sign Painting Shop, 12-35
14-8 Sign Permits, 15-23
plans for, 14-11 Site Development Standards
protection for residential lots, 14-10 aircraft landing approach, 14-19
reduction of, 14-5 Landscaping, 14-1
relative to setbacks, 14-7 maintenance of common areas, 14-1
required improvements, 14-9 outdoor lighting, 14-19
use of private parking areas, 14-7 outdoor storage and display, 14-19
Parking and Standing parking and loading, 14-4
specific requirements for, 14-15 Site Plan Review, 15-9
Parking Lots, Public Site Plans
use standards for, 12-23 exception from ADU requirements, 15-12
Penalties, 17-1 Special Revitalization Districts, 9-1
Pipe-stem Lots, 10-2 C-2 district, 9-1
Placement, 3-9 Clarendon Revitalization District, 9-2
Proffers, 7-64, 15-6 Street Encroachment
Public Dedication special development provision, 3-16
density credits for, 15-24 Street Frontage
Public Notices, 15-1 required, 1-1
Repair-oriented Retail Sales and Service Swimming Pools, Community, Semi-Public and
use standards for, 12-32 Commercial, 12-23
Residential Cluster Development, 10-12 Swimming Pools, Private, 12-48
Restaurants Title, 1-1
modification of parking requirements, 14-14 Townhouses and Semidetached Dwellings in the
special parking provisions, 14-12 R15-T district use standards, 5-19
Restaurants, Fast Food Townhouses in the R2-7 District, 5-22
use standards for, 12-31 Townhouses, Semidetached and Existing One-family

18-XXII Arlington County, Virginia
INDEX
Dwellings in the R10-T district, 5-9 industrial (M) districts, 8-1

Trailer Parking, 12-48 public (P) districts, 4-1
Transfer of Development Rights, 15-11 residential (R) districts, 5-1
Transitional Parking Areas Utilities and Community Services
use standards for, 12-37 use standards for, 12-24
Unified Developments Utilities and Services, Public, 12-24
commercial/mixed use, 10-3 Utilities, Major
residential, 10-1 use standards for, 12-24
Urban Design Guidelines Variances, 15-16
for MU-VS district development, 7-24 Vehicle Dealership, Sales and Rental Lots
Use use standards for, 12-32
interpretation of, 12-2 Vehicle Maintenance and Minor Repairs, Routine,
Use Categories, 12-17 12-49
commercial, 12-9 Vehicle Service, Limited and General
day care, 12-5 use standards for, 12-34
group living, 12-3 Vehicle Storage Lots and Towing Services, 12-35
industrial, 12-14 use standards for, 12-35
public and civic, 12-4 Vehicle, Unlicensed and/or Uninspected, 12-49
residential, 12-3 Violations, 17-1
unclassified, 12-19 Visual Clearance (Corners), 3-15
Use Permit and Site Plan Wheel Stops, 14-10
Wholesale trade
special submittals for, 15-3
Use Permits, 15-8
Wrecking and salvage yards, 12-36
approved by County Board, 15-8
Zoning District Map
Use Standards
interpretation of, 2-1
commercial/mixed uses, 12-24
Zoning DistrictS
industrial uses, 12-34
established, 1-2
temporary uses, 12-49 Zoning Map, 2-1
Uses Allowed
commercial/mixed use (, 7-1

Arlington County, Virginia 18-XXIII

Zoning Ordinance: Arlington County, Virginia

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Effective July 16, 2019

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IF YOU OWN PROPERTY AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT RULES APPLY:

For specific use standards see Article 12. .

IF YOU WANT TO BUILD OR ESTABLISH A PARTICULAR USE:

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

§7.2. RA4.8, Multiple-Family Dwelling District................................................................................ 7-8

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

§12.5. Commercial/Mixed Use Standards ..................................................................................... 12-25

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

§16.1. Nonconforming Lots ............................................................................................................. 16-1

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

§1.2. Minimum Requirements

§1.3. USE OF BUILDINGS AND LAND

§1.4. Conflicting Provisions

Constitutionality, repeal of conflicting provisions

§1.5. Street Frontage Required

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

§1.6. Headings and Illustrations

§1.7. Zoning Districts Established

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

GENERAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Overlay and Special Purpose Districts

Special Purpose District

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

§2.2. Map Interpretation

Follow lot lines

§2.3. Future Boundaries to Street Centerline

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

Floor area ratio

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

ridge of the dormer roof.

1. Measurement in R districts, except RA districts

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

Minimum lot width

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

B. Minimum lot width

Setbacks and yards

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

§3.2. Bulk, Coverage and Placement Requirements

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Lot area, minimum

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

2. Side and rear yards

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

(b) For all one-family dwellings and their accessory structures

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

i. Trellises incorporated as fences

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

(b) Air conditioning units

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

4. Visual clearance (corners)

Zoning Ordinance Effective 7/16/2019

Effective 7/16/2019 Zoning Ordinance

Public (P) districts principal use table